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Indiana receiver Damarlo Belcher considered leaving early for the NFL.
The Hoosiers' coaching hire stopped him in his tracks.
Once Indiana picked Kevin Wilson as its new head coach, Belcher's decision became much easier.
Wilson's run as an assistant coach at Oklahoma from 2002-2010 was so impressive that Belcher figured he'd stick around and possibly improve his draft prospects.
''Once I found out he was coming to IU, that was a big reason why I stayed,'' Belcher said. ''I looked at his past history at Oklahoma and knew (his teams) threw the ball well. Great offensive coordinator.''
Wilson led offenses that played in national championship games after the 2003, 2004 and 2008 seasons and in Big 12 title games in seven of his nine years at Oklahoma. He was honored as the nation's top assistant coach in 2008.
In all, 22 Oklahoma offensive players, including 2010 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford, were drafted during Wilson's stay at Oklahoma.
''He's a great coach and he's a mastermind on the offensive play calling,'' Belcher said. ''I'm excited to play for him this year, and I know the rest of my teammates are too.''
Wilson's track record is just part of his appeal. His direct, no-nonsense approach has drawn praise from players trying to bounce back from a 5-7 season.
''He's the first person to tell you you're messing up,'' tight end Todd Bolser said. ''If you're doing well, he'll tell you you're doing well. If you're doing bad, he'll pull you without even saying anything. He's very strict. He knows what he wants, he knows what he expects, and I think we all respect that.''
Those expectations are especially high for the top players.
''When he first got here, he said he's going to get on the leaders more than anybody else because the younger guys are going to do as we do,'' Belcher said.
And when the leaders don't produce?
''He'll break you down and bring you right back up,'' Belcher said.
Wilson said he learned his approach from his mentors, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and the late former Northwestern coach, Randy Walker.
''I just try to be honest,'' Wilson said. ''There's not an agenda. The only way the players can respect you is if you're shooting them straight and working hard for them. I've been around that long enough that I think that's the best way to operate your life and then also try to operate with your team.''
He's been honest with Belcher, who caught 78 passes for 832 yards as a junior.
''He needs to have a good year for us,'' Wilson said. ''I don't have a goal of getting him 40 or 80 or 100 catches, it just kind of plays out as it gets going.''
Belcher wants to break James Hardy's Indiana receiving records, and he believes the fact that Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles caught 131 passes in the same system last year gives him a good chance.
''I've got a couple of awards I can get, a couple records I can break,'' he said. ''I'm not that far off.''
Another receiver, Duwyce Wilson, caught 32 passes for 488 yards last season.
The team has five possibilities at quarterback. Dusty Kiel, Ed Wright-Baker, Teddy Schell, Adam Follett and rookie Tre Roberson all are in the running to replace Ben Chappell.
Running back Darius Willis returns after missing all but four games last season with a knee injury. He ran for 607 yards as a freshman in 2009.
Junior college back Stephen Houston should help. He ran for 1,082 yards for Independence (Kan.) Community College last season.
Indiana has six starters back on defense. The defensive line is experienced, with tackles Adam Replogle and Mick Mentzer and end Darius Johnson back.
Linebackers Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum return. Thomas was second on the team last season with 82 tackles.
Free safety Donnell Jones anchors the secondary. He tied for the team lead with five pass breakups last season.
Part of Wilson's challenge is teaching winning at a program that has struggled. He said his players are only beginning to understand what it takes.
''We have had a lot of the kids here this summer,'' he said. ''A lot of guys have embraced our values, or are trying to, but we have a long way to go in understanding the subtle things in how to be demanding of yourself or having high expectations. We are continuing to try to gain momentum in those regards.''
It is fitting that a big-name hire would debut at a big-time venue - Indiana opens on Sept. 3 against Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium. For all his infectious confidence, Wilson isn't above having a few butterflies heading into his first game as a head coach.
''It's humbling,'' he said. ''A little scary sometimes. I used to just oversee my side, and now you're overseeing more. At the same time, it's an unbelievable opportunity and challenge, and it's exciting too.''
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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliffbruntap
