Cignetti and his staff hit the transfer portal to bring in key players such as quarterback Fernando Mendoza from California, center Pat Coogan from Notre Dame, running back Roman Hemby from Maryland, offensive linemen Kahlil Benson from Colorado and Zen Michalski from Ohio State, Ole Miss defensive back Louis Moore, and tight end Riley Nowakowski from Wisconsin.
Benson and Moore previously played for the Hoosiers, transferred, and then transferred back.
Freshmen such as four-star defensive back Byron Baldwin Jr., four-star receiver Davion Chandler, and three-star receiver Lebron Bond show promise.
“I think we have a lot of nice pieces on this team,” Cignetti said. “Now, it’s time to take these pieces and start forming a team.”
Consider quarterback, likely the most important position in any sport. Mendoza arrives with an impressive resume from three seasons at California (4,712 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 66.5 completion percentage) and no guarantees. If he’s not up to the challenge, younger brother Alberto Mendoza, Old Dominion transfer Grant Wilson, and true freshman Jacob Bell will get their starting shots.
Given the success Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan have had with transfer quarterbacks in recent years, including Kurtis Rourke, who led the Hoosiers to the playoffs last season, the elder Mendoza figures to be the guy.
“All these guys have a body of work,” Cignetti said. “They either get better or worse.
“When you bring in new guys into your system, everybody’s system is a little different, so they all need development. Right now, the second-team quarterback would be the younger brother (Alberto). He had a nice spring. He has a good skillset.
“Every day you go out there, you compete for a job. Nobody owns a job. You’ve got to earn it every day.”
Earning intensity ramps up this month with summer workouts. The Old Dominion season opener is Aug. 30.
Preparation, Cignetti said, doesn’t change.
