TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The sound of football and the feeling of optimism and excitement was in the air Wednesday morning as the Sycamores kicked off their fall camp at the new and improved Memorial Stadium.
Leading the Sycamores, in his second season at the helm,
Curt Mallory felt encouraged after the first day was in the books.
"I was really pleased with today and we always say that tempo is a habit -- you could see it with the veterans out here and that's where it started," Mallory said. "The difference from a year ago at this time is confidence. You can see it out here that they are more confident in themselves. They have gotten bigger; they have gotten stronger. You can see that they have really worked and put the time in."
With 24 seniors on the roster this season, the team is poised to turn things around following last season. Indiana State returns seven starters on defense and six from the offensive side of the ball.
The Sycamores were awarded six total Preseason All-MVFC honors with five of those coming on defense. Leading the defense will be a pair of linebackers who were named Second Team All-MVFC in
Jonas Griffith and
Katrell Moss.
"Just having guys back from injuries and having a year under our belt with the coaches has been really big," Griffith said. "Guys are out here on the first day knowing what they have to do, assignments are sound and obviously, you'll have mistakes the first day -- but just being out here with the guys and everything from spring ball and summer workouts just correlates to a great season. We have gotten bigger, stronger and faster and I feel like that's going to be really important for us this year."
There will be a new face under center this season for the Sycamores as no quarterback on the roster has taken a snap in Blue and White. ISU signed two quarterbacks including a junior college transfer in
Jalil Kilpatrick who comes from Kilgore College after finishing last season with a 153.0 passer efficiency rating and a 72.3 completion percent. Indiana State also added Iowa transfer
Ryan Boyle. Boyle brings with him plenty of accolades including Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons of high school. Both have two years of eligibility remaining.
"I was really pleased with the two quarterbacks and how they took control and just let the offense run today. With Jalil (Kilpatrick) going through the spring, I'm pleased with how he has progressed. With Ryan (Boyle) jumping into the mix, he has really added some things too," Mallory continued. "You have two guys with veteran experience and it really shows on the field with the command of the offense and their confidence with they're out there."
The Sycamores begin the 2018 season under the lights August 30th when Quincy makes its way to Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET.
For more information on tickets or group sales, contact Senior Assistant Athletics Director
John Sherman at 812-237-3047. Fans can also visit the Hulman Center Ticket Office during normal business hours or call 800-745-3000, or visit
TicketMaster.com.
Renewal packages have already been sent via U.S. Mail to all football season ticket holders from last season. Ticket information and the ability to purchase season tickets as well as renewing Varsity Club memberships can be found online at
GoSycamores.com under the Support tab.
For the latest information on the Sycamore Football team, make sure to check out
GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including
Facebook and
Twitter.
