The Indiana University football program took another hit Thursday. Two months after learning their top player, James Hardy, was leaving the school early for the NFL draft, Hoosiers’ coach Bill Lynch announced in a press release that the top returning player, quarterback Kellen Lewis, has been suspended indefinitely.
The Hoosiers lost another top weapon Thursday when Kellen Lewis was suspended for a violation of team rules.
“Kellen has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules,” IU coach Bill Lynch said in the release. “He will not participate as we begin spring practice. Kellen needs time away from the program and we look forward to his return at some point in the future.”
Spring practice for the IU football team begins on March 25. As a result of Lewis' absence, Ben Chappell, a redshirt freshman this past season, will take over as the first string quarterback in practice. Chappell was Lewis' backup this past season, playing in three games.
Chappell was an all-state quarterback out of high school at Bloomington South, accounting for 2,359 yards and 27 touchdowns during his senior season. He only threw three passes in his playing time for IU last year.
The loss of Lewis leaves the Hoosiers very thin at the quarterback position for spring practice, as the only other backup, freshman Teddy Schell, is expected to miss all of spring practice with an elbow injury. As a result, Lynch and the IU staff have decided to move safety Mitchell Evans to the backup position.
Evans was twice an all-state quarterback in high school in the state of Ohio. He played on both sides of the ball during his time at Milton Union High School, including an outstanding senior year where he threw for 1,525 and rushed for 1,446 yards.
There is no word on how soon Lewis could be back, but if he remains absent, it is unlikely that the Hoosiers will be able to replace the production of the sophomore standout. Last season, Lewis made the Big Ten Second Team as he emerged as one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the country.
Last year, Lewis also set several school single-season records, including for yards passing, total yards, TD passes and total touchdowns.
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