My Valentine’s Day task is a formidable one, namely to find multiple reasons to be optimistic about one of the UI’s thinnest squads lining up for the start of “spring” football practice at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
But I’ll try.
— Lovie Smith has a better understanding of his team, saying, “We know the players better and where best to put them.”
— Three of the most highly touted recruits are already here, and are legitimate contenders for starting positions: middle linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, receiver Carmoni Green and defensive end Owen Carney. Also reporting is new offensive tackle HoJo Watkins.