Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Football Update -- April 16
4/16/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 16, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Competition is healthy, or so head coach Randy Walker says. That being the case, then, consider the situation at running back -- maybe the "healthiest" position on the field this spring.
OK, it's not all healthy. NU's two most experienced returning rushers -- Kevin Lawrence and Torri Stuckey -- are currently on the shelf. While they are gone but not forgotten, the spring has provided a chance for some of the younger players (Noah Herron, Jeff Backes, Clifton Dawson, and even Jason Wright) to get some added reps. With the first team, no less.
"It has been a real positive situation overall," said Walker. "There is a lot to be determined at that spot. The tough thing is that there's only one ball -- that's what I say to the guys all the time. Who's going to be the guy who gets the ball?"
With the graduation of Damien Anderson, Walker is in the new position of looking to find "the guy." Of course, he was ready for it.
"I've known Damien was going to leave for quite awhile now," he said. "He only had so much eligibility, so we've been preparing for this time. We've brought in some good players the last few years, just so we would be ready for this time."
The running backs played a key role in a drill that was introduced to the Northwestern players for the first time Tuesday. The "Hoot 'n Holler" Drill pitted three offensive linemen and three defensive linemen against each other, with a running back going over the right or left side in a 10-yard-by-10-yard area. If the offensive team gained the 10 yards in three downs, the offense got a point. If the defense stopped them over three downs, the defense got a point. On Tuesday, the offense won 4-1.
"It's a drill I used to use at Miami, probably about once a year or so," said Walker. "It's like the board drill, but you start to put in a team aspect and you're still working on your blocking. In addition, there's the reward factor of either scoring or stopping them."
One of the most pleasant surprises from Tuesday was the return of Ashton Aikens. The freshman was expected to miss spring ball, but apparently recovered enough to get back into Tuesday's session.
"Ashton said he wanted to go," said Walker. "He may still need surgery, but basically he came in and said that he was tired of standing around. It's an injury that won't get any worse, so we'll see how he got through practice today and go from there."
