Northwestern University Athletics
Camp Kenosha Report -- August 19
8/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2002
KENOSHA, Wis. - Northwestern returned to the practice field in full pads Monday morning after having a day off. Practice began with a steady drizzle but ended with the sun shining and temperatures in the 70s.
The Wildcats kept to the schedule, spending the first portion of practice on position drills. They then ran plays in the traditional 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 formats.
After the session, Coach Walker talked about the depth the 'Cats have in the rushing attack. Also, defensive tackle Colby Clark (Austin, Texas/Westlake) and wide receiver Jon Schweighardt (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South) took time out for some questions about the upcoming season:
Head Coach Randy Walker:
On the depth of Northwestern's running game?
I don't know how it's all going to play out. They all have their own skills that are good for different situations. I think we can get the right match-up with personnel and do some things. It doesn't bother me not to have a dominant guy that we have had in the past. The bottom line is how good of a rushing attack we have, and I think we have more quality backs than what we've had and we are going to play them.
Sophomore defensive tackle Colby Clark:
What's your impression of the defense so far as a whole?
Just from last year and spring ball we've made huge improvements from where we are to where need to be. After taking baby steps earlier, we're walking fast now.
How is the defensive line faring?
We weren't playing to our potential earlier in camp, but we are now. We are starting to get to where we need to be.
How does this year's defensive line compare to last season's?
We have the same amount of ability and want-to. We may not have the big names, but that comes along with a little bit of time and work.
What are your overall goals as a defense this season?
We want to be the best in the Big Ten. That's our main goal. Also, we need to do what we didn't do last season, and that's win some games.
Senior wide receiver Jon Schweighardt:
What's your impression of the team's progress on the offensive side of the ball?
I think we are making a lot of strides. When we started off we weren't really on target. As the week progressed we got better and better with our plays and our signals. I think right now we're starting to put it all together, and we're getting ready to go as an offense.
How's the receiving corps look so far?
I think we look pretty good. We've got a lot of depth. We have about eight or nine guys that can all play. It'll be good because guys can get some rest, and we'll have fresh guys to come in and run some routes.
How does the group of receivers this season stack up against those in the past you played with?
We've never had this much depth before. I think that's the main thing. It's really going to help our offense.
CAMP NOTES: Coach Walker postponed Monday afternoon's practice until 7 p.m. when the Wildcats conducted one of their best practices of the preseason at nearby Carthage College ... Players wearing the silver/purple jerseys (for outstanding performances from Saturday's scrimmage) on Monday morning included Mark Philmore, Carl Matejka, John Pickens and Colby Clark.
UP NEXT: The Wildcats hold one practice Tuesday, with a morning session scheduled for 8:40 a.m. at UW-Parkside.
