Looming quarterback decision doesn’t bother Indiana receivers at all

Veteran pass catchers are comfortable with all three QBs in race for starting spot.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — You would think the group that would have the most interest in who wins the Indiana quarterback job would be the wide receivers, but you would be wrong.

They could care less. At least in August.

“I’ve said it myself after a play is over. I’ll say, ’who threw that?’ ’’ Indiana senior wide receiver Nick Westbrook said. “I don’t pay any attention to it, which is good because I don’t see the ball coming out any different anyway. Everybody’s making plays and we’re just chugging along, no matter who’s throwing the ball.

“At the end of the day, the ball is coming so fast and I’ve just got to catch it. It really doesn’t matter who’s throwing it. I just have to catch it and get north and south.’’

Indiana coach Tom Allen addressed the media Monday and said there’s still no decision made on the quarterback spot, even after a full scrimmage on Saturday. It’s still an open race between Peyton Ramsey, Michael Penix, Jr., and Jack Tuttle.

“All three quarterbacks did some good stuff,’’ he said. “That’s what makes it continue to be a challenge. But we’re getting closer to making that final decision. We’re not there yet, so they all keep working to compete and develop.’’

Allen was able to joke that any kind of formal announcement on the starting quarterback for the Aug. 31 game with Ball State isn’t really necessary. The coaches can do whatever they want, and if they want to keep their decision secret, well, that’s their prerogative, too.

“Bottom line is, we as a staff, we will not make that announcement, but we will move in that direction soon from a reps perspective,’’ Allen said. “I always try to answer your questions as honest as I feel appropriate, without saying things I don’t want to say. The scrimmage helped, and we’ve had some good discussions since. As I’ve said from the beginning, it’s all about getting us ready to be our best on Aug. 31.’’

What’s interesting — and very unusual — is that the only real question about Indiana is the quarterback spot. Running back is covered with Stevie Scott and a ton of depth, and IU’s offensive line is experienced and one of the best groups in the Big Ten.

The wide receivers group just might be the best and deepest in the Big Ten. Because of injuries, Westbrook (42 catches), Donovan Hale (42), Ty Fryfogle (29) and Whop Philyor (23) are all considering worthy starters. They will be dangerous, no matter who’s throwing the ball to them.

“Our motto in our room is that we’re consistent playmakers with contagious energy,’’ Westbrook said. “The offense runs through us. Yeah, it probably is the deepest (the group has been in his five years at Indiana). You’ve got me, DHale, Ty, Whop, we all played a lot last year. 

"We’re all starters, and we’ve got the young guys too who can step in and make plays.’’

All that experience and hard work is why the quarterback situation isn’t bothersome to anyone.

“Since I’ve been here, this offseason has probably been the one where we put the most work in with the quarterbacks, so our chemistry is really good with all of them,’’ Hale said. “We don’t see who’s back there, we’re just going out there to make plays. It really hasn’t mattered.’’

“This is a deep group. Everyone believes it. Even the freshmen, they’re coming in to play. Everybody has talent.’’