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Fall Camp Q&A: Curt Cignetti talks start to Week 2 of fall camp

Browning Headshotby: Zach Browning08/04/25ZachBrowning17
Curt Cignetti

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti spoke with reporters on Monday afternoon as the Hoosiers began the second week of fall camp.

Below is his full Q&A, along with a partial transcript of the conversation (to be added once it becomes available).

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Cignetti: Practice four is in the books, got a lot to do in a short amount of time. That’s what training camp is all about. So, opening it up to questions.

On his takeaways from Week 1 of Fall Camp…

Cignetti: The first practice, we went out and it was really hot and humid. I think the guys got gassed early, we had a lot better energy Day 2. I thought we made a big jump on Day 3. That’s the key to the drill: get better every single day. Improve more with more guys doing their job consistently. Doing things that winning football teams do. Understanding, also, that we are installing a lot of new stuff, that for the young guys is a little bit of an overload.

On the obstacle to getting onto the field as a true freshman…

Cignetti: True freshmen, a little bit of both (mental and physical obstacles). When they graduate and they are seniors or fifth-year seniors, their body is going to look a lot different. The main thing would be maturity level and being able to handle all of the things, especially when school starts. Handling success and failure, being consistent, having good habits and not getting caught up in things that freshmen get caught up in. We’ve got a couple of freshmen doing fairly well, but we will see where we are at.

On projecting the role of freshmen when they enroll early…

Cignetti: We want to take the best available whenever they can enroll because you really don’t count on freshmen helping your team. That doesn’t mean that they won’t, some won’t. Big-time benefit to go through the winter program, spring ball. It’s like they’ve been through it and they’re a sophomore in some ways, so I think we’re seeing that in a couple guys who are with us right now.

On Carter Smith’s development and his potential…

Cignetti: I think the sky is the limit really. Wouldn’t put a limit on it. I think he’s having a good camp, at least the first three days. He was a good player last year, too. Guys normally improve from their freshman year to sophomore to junior to senior, I think you’re seeing that with him. He’s got a lot of talent, great kid, high character guy, be a good leader on this team also. Looking for him to have a big year for us.

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