TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- It was another beautiful morning at Memorial Stadium, as the Sycamores got in another solid day's work at Day Two of Training Camp on Wednesday. Today, we're going to take a broad look at the Sycamore offense and what lies ahead for head coach Curt Mallory and offensive coordinator Jeff Hecklinski in 2017.

As noted in detail during spring practices, Mallory and staff have instituted a brand-new pro-style offensive system -- which potentially helps out the deepest position they inherited: running back.

"Our mindset is to run the football, and it's always going to start with running the football and stopping the run on defense," Mallory said.

The duo worked under Brady Hoke at Michigan, who ran the ball plenty -- and effectively -- leading the Wolverines to top-five finishes in the Big Ten in rushing in both 2011 (221.8 YPG, 2nd) and 2012 (183.8 YPG, 5th).

"We're going to run the football, that's plain and simple," Hecknlinski said. "When Coach (Mallory) got the job and we started talking and you start telling people, 'I'm going to Indiana State,' you'd be surprised how many people say you can't win there. We said, no, you can win there, and we're going to win here, and this is how we're going to win here, because we're going to be more physical, we're going to play faster, and we're going to run the football."



It won't hurt that Mallory and Hecknlinski have at their disposal a bonafide arsenal of running backs to mix-and-match. Preseason Honorable Mention All-MVFC running back LeMonte Booker returns for his final season as a Sycamore -- bringing with him 2,321 career all-purpose yards. Also in the mix are the speedy Dimitri Taylor (who racked up 451 yards on the ground and 175 through the air in 2016) and the bruising Jaquan Keys (311 yards, 1 TD in 2016). Redshirt sophomore Marlon Fleming returns for the Sycamores as well after missing the 2016 season due to injury following a 159-yard, two touchdown season as a true freshman in 2015. Not to mention, the Sycamores loaded up with two talented true freshmen this past Signing Day with Titus McCoy and Peterson Kerlegrand.

However, it all starts up front, and Coach Mallory is confident he has the right guy for the job in offensive line coach (and run-game coordinator) Darrell Funk.

Funk, who has had an illustrious 33-year career spanning the country, was also on Hoke's staff at Michigan with Mallory as the offensive line coach. He inherits three returning starters on the line -- guards James Lang and Lex Sowards, and tackle Matt Byrne -- and looks to keep the lanes open for ISU's talented backfield.

"I've worked with Darrell, and I've been coaching football for 20-some years and been around it all my life, but he's the best O-line coach I've ever been around," Mallory said. "I see those guys improving each and every day. He's a technician, he demands it."

And of course, it wouldn't be Training Camp without discussion of the quarterback position. Coming into spring practice, Mallory and staff wiped the slate clean for Indiana State's four returning QBs: redshirt senior Aaron Young, redshirt junior Isaac Harker, and redshirt freshmen Zach Larkin and Cade Sparks. All four have had a daunting task with the adjustment to the pro-style system (which includes plenty of reads and checks at the line), and all four are still in open competition for the job. Harker holds an edge in terms of experience amongst his compatriots, after starting 10 games last year and writing his name all over the ISU record book -- including nearly breaking the single-season record for 300-yard passing games with five (Mike Perish's record of six was set in 2014). But as of right now, it's still anyone's position to win.

"I think we talk honestly, it's an honest position and really only one plays," Hecklinski said. "We don't beat around the bush, we don't try and hide it. We talk about this being a competition. Someone is going to be upset, but someone is going to be happy. But now, if we come together, and I'm number four and I can put my feelings aside and do my role for what's best for the team, then we have a chance to do something special."

The ones catching their passes, of course, will be the wide receivers group -- led by wide receivers coach and former Michigan star wideout himself, Roy Roundtree. Key returnees include speedster and return man Bob Pugh and jack-of-all-trades slot receiver Kelvin Cook, but some new faces have begun to emerge with former walk-on (and now key target) Curtis Lee, as well as the solid hands of Dante Jones. A handful of true freshmen have impressed in the early days of non-contact as well, including Dante Hendrix and Rontrez Morgan.

Another group potentially benefiting from the change to the pro-style will be the solid tight ends group. Senior Jacquet McClendon impressed with an amazing spring, but also look out for the big target transfer Gage Lackey (who sat out 2016 due to injury) and Terre Haute native Calvin Blank.

We will be dissecting each position group in more detail as camp goes on, so stay tuned to GoSycamores.com – as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages – for extensive coverage, including video content courtesy of Luke Martin.