Northwestern University Athletics
Running Back Position No Longer Filled With Uncertainty
4/17/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 17, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Thursday's Northwestern spring football recap takes a look at the running back position. One season after uncertainty surrounded the position to open the season, Jason Wright (Diamond Bar, Calif./Diamond Bar) and Noah Herron (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan) solidified the position in the 2002. Both return this fall to provide a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield. NUsports.com sat down with running back coach Jeff Genyk and Herron to get their thoughts on spring ball and the upcoming season.
Running backs coach Jeff Genyk
NUsports.com: After the uncertainty at the position coming into last season, how helpful is it to know, for the most part, who will be receiving the most playing time?
JG: I think it's important because I think we can dedicate ourselves to getting better at some of the little things, instead of trying to find out who the players are. Also, because we have a better idea of who the players are, we can refine the offense and expand the offense more.
NUsports.com: Can we expect to see more of Noah Herron and Jason Wright in the backfield at the same time?
JG: Last year we used Noah and Jason together quite a bit. Probably 20 percent of the offense was them on the field at the same time and I think that will probably grow.
NUsports.com: Has anyone stepped in and impressed you so far this spring?
JG: Terrell Jordan (Clarkston, Ga./Tucker) has done a nice job. It's a relatively sophisticated offense, so once you figure it out you can start to play. That has happened for Terrell in the second half of spring practice. We're also giving Derell Jenkins (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) a look, and he seems to have quite a bit of talent. It will be interesting to see how he progresses.
Running back Noah Herron
NUsports.com: Do you take any different type of approach now knowing that you can expect to see quite a bit of playing time this season?
NH: The fact that I have a spot "cemented" doesn't change anything for me psychologically. I'm trying to go out there every day and get better. I'm trying to get more reps than I got last year. I'm trying to get on the field any way I can, as much as possible.
NUsports.com: How important is it be be well-rounded in this offense -- someone who can block, run and catch?
NH: Last year we ran the no-huddle and shortened up our offense somewhat. We didn't package as much as we usually could. This year we're going to more huddle and we can use long play-calling. That opens it up and gives us the ability to have different personnel on the field. The most well-rounded people are going to be out there. Like Coach (Mike) Dunbar says, we're going to play our best 11. When you can do all those things, you're going to get out on the field.
NUsports.com: How is the chemistry between yourself and Jason Wright?
NH: A lot of people think that between the (No.) 1 and 2 tailback that there would be a whole bunch of animosity and competition. But being good friends, we support each other more than we criticize. There is positive criticism between us. We're a team out there.
Session Nine Notes
Thursday's session outdoors featured multiple sessions of 11-on-11 scrimmaging. Quarterback Alexander Webb (Dallas, Texas/Highland Park) broke off the longest play of the day, taking a keeper 50 yards. The defense ended the practice on a high note, as defensive end DeMaris Wilson (Harvest, Ala./Sparkman) intercepted a pass off a deflection ... Members of the Maine South High football team were in attendance ... Derell Jenkins (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), who saw playing time at quarterback last season, continued to get a look at running back.
