Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Football Update -- April 9
4/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 9, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - It was a typical Tuesday afternoon practice for Northwestern's football team, which went for 17 periods of just more than six minutes apiece in the fifth practice session of the spring. Through five sessions, some notes have emerged...
First of all, the Wildcats have to be given credit for their sense of timing. In the final period of the day, on the session's penultimate play during 11-on-11 drills, the defense forced a fumble which prompted much whooping and hollering on its sideline. The offense responded, finishing the day off in style as Noah Herron busted up the gut and through the defense for a long touchdown run.
It was a whirlwind finish to a spirited day. Which is just what Head Coach Randy Walker is looking for from his players.
"Competition is a good thing," he said. "It brings out the best in people, and that has certainly been the case with our players so far. It has been exciting so far this spring and it will continue to be, because I think we've recruited some great players the last few years and others think that, too. Now is the time for them to live up to the hype and prove that what we thought about them was true."
Coach Walker could be accused of aiding and abetting the competitive atmosphere that has marked this spring. For example, Tuesday featured the second running of the Board Drill already this spring. The smashmouth blocking drill, which pits players in a one-on-one battle along a long piece of plywood, is probably the most basic toughness test around. Perhaps the most popular drill among the players, it is conducted only a few times during preseason camp and hardly ever during the regular season.
"The Board Drill works on the aspects that are more fundamental to football, blocking," said Walker. "Unless you're a quarterback or a kicker, you're going to have to block. The drill is good in terms of helping you learn about establishing a base and getting leverage.
"The drill also says a little bit about your toughness," he added with a wink and a grin.
One injury to report. Ashton Aikens will miss all of spring ball after breaking a bone in his foot during drills prior to the spring practices. However, the injury is not expected to hamper his progress leading into the 2002 season.
NEXT UPDATE: Question-and-answer with players on Thursday, April 11
