Northwestern University Athletics
Special Teams Could Be Just That
4/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 18, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern braved the elements again, completing spring session 10 in shorts and shoulder pads as temperatures fell into the low 40s. With conditions difficult, the team again focused on special teams and the passing game.
NUsports.com stays with the special teams theme today. The Wildcats return their top two kick returners -- Jason Wright (Diamond Bar, Calif./Diamond Bar) and Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington). The duo helped NU form the sixth-best kickoff return unit in the nation in 2002. Junior Brian Huffman (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) returns as the team's starting punter. Head coach Randy Walker and Huffman chatted with NUsports.com after practice about the progress of the special teams units.
Randy Walker, Head Coach
NUsports.com: Last year, Brian Huffman solidified himself as the team's punter. How has he continued to progress?
Randy Walker: I've told him I fully expect him to be an All-Big Ten punter. He got his feet wet last year, and he has two more years to punt. He has all the skills to be the best punter in this league. We also could be a very good coverage team with most of the guys back. We have good speed there, and we have the chance to become a real good punt unit.
NU: An obvious question about special teams is finding a place-kicker. How is the team doing with shoring up that position?
RW: I've reduced it to Slade Larscheid (Spearfish, S.D./Spearfish) and Joel Howells (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore). I am letting Brian Huffman concentrate on doing the punting. It's tough to do both. We'll let Slade and Joel fight it out. They are both much better than last fall. The conditions are tough; the fields are a little rocky and you're out here in the elements, but they're doing well.
NU: NU ranked sixth nationally in kickoff returns. What do you anticipate opposing teams will do differently to try to counter Jason Wright and Jeff Backes?
RW: We did some things (last year) to try to gimmick some people a little bit, but I think the biggest thing is that we have two good returners. We also have a good unit with fast guys who stay on blocks. The essence of kickoff returning is having good returners, and that's what we have.
Brian Huffman, Junior Punter
NUsports.com: Last year, you had a strong season as the team's starting punter. What is your mindset coming into 2003?
Brian Huffman: Last season was a good starting point for me. I felt like I did some good things and some bad things. It was a stepping stone, and I hope to have a much better season this year.
NU: Coaches always talk about the importance of keeping the same pre-kick routine. What is your pre-kick and pre-punt routine like?
BH: I try not to think of anything because I feel like any thought will throw you off. I go out there with a clear mind. I practice all the time so I just try and let my abilities do the work.
NU: With the departure of place-kicker David Wasielewski, would you feel comfortable handling both the punting and kicking duties, or would you prefer to have some of the other guys step in as the place-kicker?
BH: We're just going to have the best guy do the job. If it's me, then great. We have some guys that are starting to develop. Slade Larscheid is kicking really well.
Session 10 Notes
Sophomore wide receiver Mark Philmore (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Reynoldsburg) provided the highlight of the day, grabbing a sliding touchdown reception ... Friday's session marked the third straight time NU practiced outdoors ... Session 11 is slated to begin outside (weather permitting) at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Part of the practice will include a 60-play scrimmage.
