Quotes: Everything Curt Cignetti said at his Monday press conference

Curt Cignetti addressed the media on Monday following IU’s practice to open the fourth week of fall camp.

Here’s everything Cignetti had to say in his press conference:

Opening comments:

“Practice fourteen tonight, we’ll walk through scrimmage tomorrow. Then we’ll transition to sorta things that haven’t been installed yet, special situations and game week next week.

“(Kellan) Wyatt and (Stephen) Daley can practice right now, are ineligible to play. So we’re taking that day by day. Obviously, we’d love to see that happen.

“And I think in their case, you’re creating opportunities. You look at Wyatt, started less than half the games last year and got hurt. And Daley stepped in, started six out of 16 games and got hurt. Both had pro potential, but because of injury, didn’t end up in NFL camp. So we’d have to make no roster cuts if they’re eligible to play.”

On whether Daley and Wyatt will pursue their own legal case and dealing with the Lewis Moore situation last season:

“Yeah, we’re gonna support them in their quest to be eligible to play. And Lewis’s situation was a little different because he could play in games. So, like I said, we’ll just take it day by day in terms of the reps.”

On the progress of Josh Hoover in fall camp and if he’s on track relative to quarterbacks in previous seasons:

“Yeah, I don’t think there’s any question that he’s improved and is more confident. There’s always improvement that can be made. There’s still some missed opportunities out there that can be converted and executed.

“I think what you gotta do is if you wanna make a comparison, you gotta kind of look at where we were last year at this time. We walked off the field the second scrimmage and really weren’t good at all throwing the football. And weren’t feeling very good about things.

“And I mean, you even look at the first game against ODU, they rip off a 75 yard touchdown in the first play. Our first score was on a 91-yard punt return. I think we scored our first offensive touchdown with 3:40 to go in the second quarter.

“I think we were in red zone six times, inside the 10 six times and scored 17 points. So we’ve made progress. We’re not in game prep yet, but it’s coming.”

On the progress of special teams:

“Yeah, well, we have a lot of confidence in our specialists. Our special teams have really been a winning edge. Grant Cain does a great job. Kids really buy in. There’s a good competition between Billy (Gowers) and Quinn Warren. You know, in that long snapper, Drew Clausen has done a really nice job up to this point and we feel like we have a good option if something would happen there too.

“In the return game, you’re looking probably at Tyler Morris as a number one punt returner right now. You know, the kickoff return game, when you look at it, you only have an opportunity to return about 10 to 15 percent of the kickoffs nowadays. And there’ll be times we fair catch it and take it on 25 and can kind of name our hash. So, we’ve looked at Turbo (Richard) and (Lee) Beebe (Jr.) and (Khobie) Martin back there. But I feel good about our special teams.”

On where things stand with the running game:

“Yeah, I mean, running the ball has been key for us. It all starts up front with the offensive line, the tight ends and the wide receiver blocking. You know, I think the tight ends are making progress. We can get a little better at receiver, blocking with our hand placement in particular, the backs are really running hard and I like our backs.”

On the cornerback battle between AJ Harris and Ryland Gandy:

“Yeah, I think (Jamari) Sharpe has been our number one guy. AJ missed a couple practices, he tweaked his knee. But expect him back soon, he’s working his way back right now. So, I would say the next seven practices will probably determine who starts at the other cornerback position. They both have had their moments.”

On the leadership of Isaiah Jones:

“Yeah, I think we got a number of guys that have good leadership qualities on this team and the more you have, the better it is. He’s a natural leader, and he is the green dot guy, and cut from very similar cloth to Aiden Fisher. Just a really smart, instinctive player.

“He’s a student of the game, so he’s the quarterback of the defense. You look at him and Ro Hardy, those are two guys that played a lot of football here and played really good football.”

On the full season sellout:

“I think it’s awesome. I think we sold the stadium out, the season tickets the first day. And they’re without a doubt the 12th man, the students and everybody else that come to the games. I mean, the stadium is really loud when we play at home. It’s a problem for the opposition. And it’s worth points and they’re a big part of our success.”

On the consistency so far in fall camp:

“I think we’re getting there. We’re not there yet, but we’re still installing quite a bit. So the volume’s heavy and there are a lot of multiples and variables.

“And so you never carry the whole package in any game. You cut down what you think will be most effective. So I think the energy, the effort, the technique, the assignments, the finish have all improved, but still a way to go.”

On the competition at backup quarterback:

“I would say Grant (Wilson) definitely has the edge for the number two. He’s an experienced guy and he’s had a good camp and Tyler (Cherry) has improved, too. And Jacob Bell has a gun, but there’s only so many reps out there.”

On whether he keeps track of his former players in the NFL:

“Yeah, I try to stay on top of how they’ve done, the ’24 guys and the 2’5 guys because we have quite a few of them, obviously. Shoot them a text once in a while, good luck or great job, that kind of thing. So they’ve made a good showing up at this point and wish them continued success.”

On if there were any college football trends he observed that jumped out in his offseason film review:

“Not really, you kind of look for things that might fit your personnel. So there’s always things you can pick, whether it’s red area, goal line, third down, whatever, explosives, pass game, run game, gizmos, tricks, that kind of thing. So every year it looks a little bit different and I’m still going through that stuff.

“I’m always trying to refine it and stay on top of it. So if we need something, I’ve got it in my back pocket that week, at least to present to the offensive staff table and see if it’s got any value.”

(Photo credit: IU Athletics)

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