BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University center Mike Katic has been through more than most. He’s entering his sixth season of college football, so the transition from fall camp to game preparation is nothing new for him.
“Every day is like Groundhog Day. I’m getting better and better, no matter how old I get. I try to get better in one little thing every day and become a better player overall,” Katic said on Tuesday.
For Katic, who has played regularly for the Hoosiers since 2021, his final season has a special twist. At the beginning of the season, he played left guard in 27 of his 37 starts for Indiana.
This year, Katic is expected to be Indiana’s full-time center. In 2022, he started at center against Nebraska, but in 2023 he played exclusively at left guard.
Although Katic is an experienced player, it is still a difficult move. The responsibility of this position brings with it a lot more to take care of.
“I’m learning to snap the ball and get my hands ready quicker than I did as a guard,” Katic said Tuesday as Indiana prepares for its season opener against Florida International on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Katic said he is becoming more comfortable as a center.
“I think it’s the close quarters I get as a center,” Katic said of one of the differences between the two positions. “As a guard, there’s some space for the ball, but as a center, you get instant contact. I think that’s what I’ve had to adjust more.”
Katic noted that training against experienced defensive tackles James Carpenter and CJ West helped him adjust to the new position.
“I think our defense and the big guys we have up front have helped me make progress in that regard,” Katic said.
The biggest change the offensive line had to contend with in fall training camp was the knee injury of planned right guard Nick Kidwell, who would have been in his seventh year after moving from James Madison to Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, thus ending the season for him.
Indiana isn’t blessed with experienced offensive linemen, so switching players around isn’t insignificant. At guard, Indiana has another transfer from JMU – Tyler Stephens – or redshirt sophomores Drew Evans and Bray Lynch to choose from.
Stephens has played 36 games with 31 starts in his career, Lynch nine. Evans has not played at the collegiate level at Wisconsin, where he spent his freshman season in 2022, or at Indiana in 2023.
“I’m getting used to the way they play,” Katic said of Evans and Lynch. “Their tendencies to pick up turns and plays from the D-line. Combo blocks, it’s all about teamwork and timing. I tell them to stay focused.”
Katic gave a breakdown of his fellow sophomores who will be blocking with him.
“Drew does a really good job. His hands are wide apart sometimes, but he’s a super strong kid. He has a super strong leg swing. He stays on blocks and finishes really well,” Katic said.
“Bray is a super smart kid. He plays with a great cushion. He’s also a great finisher,” Katic added.
Katic gave no indication that a position change is imminent. He spoke exclusively about playing center, although it might be tempting for Cignetti to move Katic to the guard position where he has so much experience. Cignetti noted in his press conference on Monday that Evans, Lynch and Stephens “can play snaps too.”
With the change of coach to Cignetti, Katic has noticed a different mentality in the dressing room. He is looking forward to putting this into practice on the pitch.
“Last year, we didn’t really stay in touch as a team throughout the season,” Katic said. “People checked out early. Once we knew we weren’t bowl eligible, the guys just didn’t practice or play hard. I don’t think the level that Coach Cig brings is going to be there. I’m just really excited.”
