Northwestern University Athletics
Coach Walker Q&A
11/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 12, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - We're back with another Wednesday edition of 'Ask Coach Walker.'
Don't forget, you can ask Coach Walker a question by clicking on 'Ask Coach Walker' on the right column of the NUsports.com home page. Fill out the form below and press send, then check back every Wednesday to see if Coach Walker has answered your question.
Here are today's inquiries:
Jan from Lake Como, Wis.: The Michigan game represents the second time you have been on ESPN and you have been on espn2 and ESPN Plus so far this season. How does this exposure impact your ability to recruit?
Coach Walker: The Big Ten has a great TV package. Every conference team can be assured that they are going to get great representation and great exposure nationally. It is a tribute to Jim Delaney, the Big Ten commissioner, and the Big Ten office in general for what it commands across the country.
Robert from Arlington Heights, Ill.: In goal-line situations, what is the advantage of the shotgun as opposed to putting the quarterback under center and having him sneak the ball?
Coach Walker: It depends on the defense and what they have shown us in the course of a game. Often, we think we can spread people out and have a more effective situation. But there are times of course where we get in more of a conventional two-tight end or three tight-end set. We have not done a lot of quarterback sneak, but I think our choices have been based on the right things by the coaching staff.
Jeff from Evanston, Ill.: I noticed on TV that your son, Jamie, is on the field with you every game. Does he ever give you advice, and if so, do you ever take it?
Coach Walker: It's been one of the real positive things in my coaching career, having Jamie on the sideline. Since he has been about eight or nine years old, he's been either pulling my headset cords or on the sidelines with us and he's been able to be a part of all that. It's unfortunate that this is his senior year at Northwestern, but hopefully (with a smirk) he will become gainfully employed and eventually be unable to be a part of the sideline. Him being on the sideline, though, has been a real joy the last 14 years or so.
Erik from Decatur, Ill.: So what's the game plan for Saturday? Are you going to go to the pass or rush more? How do you plan to stop their offensive attack?
Coach Walker: We go into every game with the idea of stopping the run and be able to rush the ball on our half. Obviously, we are playing one of the best football teams in the country and that is going to make it difficult. Balance is always important on offense and were going to have to be able to throw the ball as well as we run it, to keep them off balance. By the same token, that's maybe what Michigan does best. We really have to be on our game to stop their entire package.
Gordon from Northbrook, Ill.: How is recruiting going this year?
Coach Walker: It is going very well. We have a small class this year, and so we've probably recruited less players than we typically do, but we feel like we are on some very good athletes. While this class won't be as large as some we feel it will be a very quality incoming class.
Kevin from Highland Park, Ill.: Coach, are you showing tape of your thrilling and spectacular victory over Michigan in 2000 as motivation or talking about it at all?
Coach Walker: Really, we have discussed it briefly, but it's always been my belief to not dwell in the past. While that was certainly a thrilling and memorable game, we try to play in the present. Nothing in 2000 has anything to do with how we will play this week. But we do know that there are a lot of players still playing that participated in that game on both sides of the ball and I'm sure there will be a lot at stake for both football teams.
Bill from Yakima, Wash.: I am interested in your evaluation of the progress of your young tight ends, especially Sean Mansfield and Frayne Abernathy. When do you anticipate their contribution to the offense?
Coach Walker: As with a lot of players in their position, they need to fall in love with the barbell. For them to reach their potential, they need to acquire more strength and size, to give themselves a chance to block the outstanding defensive ends in the Big Ten. They both are very skilled, it's just a matter of them putting a lot of work in with Coach Lilja (Strength and Conditioning Coach) in the weight room and making the progress they need to make.
