New Indiana OC Walt Bell talks Hoosiers QB situation this spring
The quarterback situation at Indiana is going to be of particular interest heading into the 2022 season. The Hoosiers got very little production in the passing game last fall and with Michael Penix Jr. transferring out of the program, IU will have a new starting gunslinger this year.
Indiana landed former Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak via the transfer portal and returners Donaven McCulley and Jack Tuttle are expected to be in the mix, as well. New offensive coordinator Walt Bell hasn’t spent much time with any of them, but he likes what he sees so far.
Per Dustin Dopirak of the Bloomington Herald Times, Bell believes each quarterback brings a different trait to the table. He believes Bazelak has a strong arm, while Tuttle brings reliability and McCulley has “unbelievable” athleticism.
Dexter Williams also has a strong arm and Grant Gremel is a smart player with the ball in his hands. Together, Indiana’s quarterback room has a “winning set of tools.”
Bell says Bazelak has really good arm talent. Said Tuttle is really reliable. Said Dexter Williams has big arm talent also. Calls Donaven McCulley "an unbelievable athlete." And said Grant Gremel does the right things with the ball.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 5, 2022
Bell says all of the quarterbacks have a "winning set of tools."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 5, 2022
Indiana’s passing attack ranked 10th in yards per game in the B1G last season, averaging 175.5 yards per contest through the air. The Hoosiers also ranked last in the conference in completion percentage (51%), touchdown passes (9) and interceptions (15).
Both McCulley and Tuttle saw time under center for Indiana last season because of an injury to Penix. Neither was able to gain significant traction while on the field, though.
Bazelak is the seasoned veteran, though he’s new to the program. He threw for 2,548 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing more than 65% of his passes. On paper, he’s a significant upgrade to the quarterback room in Bloomington.
The battle is still ongoing for the starting job. It’s going to be one of the teams to keep an eye on heading into fall camp in regards to the quarterback situation.