Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Football Update -- April 13
4/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 13, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. -- With six practices in the books, Northwestern held its first scrimmage of the spring season Saturday afternoon at the Wildcats' outdoor practice field. The 80-play, controlled scrimmage took place in front of more than 200 area high school coaches who were on campus to participate in the Wildcats' annual spring coaches' clinic.
The scrimmage pitted NU's offense against its defense. Sophomore quarterback Tony Stauss (Racine, Wis./Horlick) was given the largest number of offensive snaps. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 73 yards and no interceptions. The Wildcats' top receiver was junior Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day), who caught six passes for 52 yards, which included a 25-yard scoring reception.
"We're still learning a lot about ourselves," said NU Head Coach Randy Walker. "This is the time of the year when we decide which players are going to make an impact next fall. I'm pleased with our progress, but we still have a long way to go."
Sophomore Noah Herron (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan) led all rushers, gaining 45 yards on 10 carries. He scored one of the Wildcats' two rushing touchdowns on a 2-yard run. Redshirt freshman Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) scored NU's other rushing TD, a 3-yard run. He finished with 25 yards on nine carries.
Freshman Clifton Dawson (Scarborough, Ontario/Birchmount Park), who is one of two 2002 signees who enrolled early at NU, totaled 29 rushing yards on five carries. The Wildcats' other newcomer, quarterback Alexander Webb (Dallas, Texas/Highland Park), completed both of his pass attempts and was responsible for one of NU's two aerial touchdowns, the 25-yard strike to Patrick.
Redshirt freshman Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) threw the second touchdown, an 11-yard pass to junior Roger Jordan (League City, Texas/Clear Creek). Basanez was 4 of 9 for 52 yards, an interception and a TD. Junior Matt Danielson (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams) completed 2 of 4 passes for 37 yards and an interception. Combined, NU's four quarterbacks completed 21 of 37 passes for 195 yards. Eleven different players caught passes.
Defensive highlights included interceptions from sophomore Jarvis Adams (Tallahassee, Fla./Godby) and sophomore Herschel Henderson (Houston, Texas/Clear Lake), as well as a fumble recovery from linebacker Vincent Cartaya (Miami, Fla./Belen Jesuit), who is making a move from offense to defense this spring.
"We came to play today," said senior linebacker Pat Durr (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles). "We looked good, but we still have some things that need addressed. We are setting the attitude for the upcoming season."
Northwestern returns to practice Monday (April 15) afternoon.
