Northwestern University Athletics
Coach Walker Q&A
11/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 19, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - We're back for the final Wednesday edition of 'Ask Coach Walker.' Thanks to all the Wildcat fans who sent in questions this season.
Here are today's inquiries:
Deric from Cornwall, N.Y.: Have you considered playing Alexander Webb and Brett Basanez at the same time to open up more possibilities on offense? Similar to what Penn State did at Ryan Field.
Coach Walker: The short answer is yes. What we've discovered in doing that is it detracts from their readiness to play quarterback. It adds to the amount of things we have to do on offense. In a period of time when we are trying to be more precise and more exact about the things we do on offense, we felt it was adding to much. So our decision was to streamline it, keep them in the positions they've been playing and look at that situation in the future.
Jere from Crystal Lake, Ill.: Coach, you have a great program and what seems like great people in the program. How is character development a big part of your program?
Coach Walker: I believe everything on a football field begins with character and attitude. Certainly the x's and o's, the schemes and the decision-making is a big part of it. But, what I've discovered over time is that if you do things with the right kind of people, pay attention to detail, and embrace the right kind of things and the right kind of values, your football team has a great chance for success. More importantly, the young people involved with the program will have a greater chance of success, both on and off the field.
Bill from Sleepy Hollow, Ill.: On pass coverage, why do your corners play so soft and why don't they turn and look for the ball when it's in the air?
Coach Walker: Well, they do need to play tighter and look for the ball while it's in the air. However, those skills are easier said than done. There are some coverages that quite frankly we try to stay on top, break on the ball and hold them to short completions. They are never as short as you want, obviously, but I think our kids are doing a good job in the coverage and schemes we are trying to embrace.
Greg from Chicago:Coach Walker, is the lack of depth in some positions bothering you?
Coach Walker: Greg, that has become a factor in all of Division I football. Over the years, they (the NCAA) have reduced squad sizes and scholarship numbers. We began the season very thin in some positions and when you add an injury or two, like our wide receiver position, you really are right at the wire of having enough players. But, we are not alone in that problem, it's universal through Division I football.
Ken from Highland Park, Ill.: Coach Walker, is the team aware of your bowl chances and are you trying to use it as motivation or keep the team focused on the game?
Coach Walker: Obviously, there is a lot of speculation about bowl games and that kind of opportunity. We, however, have not rallied around that concept as much as we are trying to play the best we can and win game number six. There are some things out there we can't control. The only thing we can control is how we play against Illinois and right now we are trying to put together our best week of practice and play our best on Saturday.
Carl from Evanston, Ill.: I've noticed that Northwestern doesn't have a quarterback coach listed on staff. I was just wondering the reason for that and who on staff takes on the role of coaching the quarterback position?
Coach Walker: Mike Dunbar, our offensive coordinator, is also the quarterbacks coach.
David from Chicago: Everyone knows Illinois is not having the best of seasons, but knowing that the Wildcats have a long shot at a bowl bid, the Illini will be going all out to beat you. What does Illinois have to do to win the game?
Coach Walker: Well David, I think that would be a great question for Coach Turner's web site. We are concentrating on what we have to do to play well and execute. I know Coach Turner does a great job and he'll have them ready to play. We are anticipating a great game and a tough battle on Saturday.
