IU football coach Curt Cignetti met with media following practice on Monday to give a few details on some players who have missed time during fall camp.
He also addressed safety Louis Moore’s lawsuit with the NCAA.
D’Angelo Ponds, Rolijah Hardy dealing with minor injuries, Beebe Jr. practicing
D’Angelo Ponds and Rolijah Hardy both suffered injuries last week, but neither seem to be too serious.
“Hardy returned to practice today, but had a groin injury and missed most of last week,” Cignetti said on Monday. “Ponds went out of the scrimmage early, tweaked his ankle, he practiced today, he’s fine.”
As a sophomore in his first year at IU, Ponds recorded three interceptions, 55 tackles and 4.5 TFLs. As a key piece in Indiana’s playoff run, Ponds was tabbed first team All-Big Ten by the Associated Press, and recognized as an All-American by multiple outlets. .
The Hoosiers also saw running back Lee Beebe Jr. return this week after being sidelined for the first two weeks of fall camp.
Amare Ferrell loses family member
Amare Ferrell was also away from the team as he dealt with the loss of his mother. Ferrell missed Indiana’s scrimmage and practices last week, but returned to the team on Monday as well.
“Amare Ferrell had a personal matter, mother passed away, was gone most of the week, he’s back today,” Cignetti said.
Cignetti comments on Louis Moore lawsuit
Uncertainty continues to loom at the free safety position as Louis Moore’s pending lawsuit continues with the NCAA. Cignetti voiced support for Moore’s pursuit for another year of eligibility, and addressed a widespread issue across college athletics.
“I think the issue with Louis and a lot of other guys across the country right now is the Vanderbilt quarterback was still within his five year clock,” Cignetti said. “There’s a group of guys at five and a half years. I do support Louis, but it’s a legal matter and that’s all I can say about it.”
No timetable has been given for Moore’s potential return to the team or a settlement for the case.
Indiana opens their season in Bloomington on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 2:30 pm ET.
