Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Hold Final Full-Pad Practice Thursday
4/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 24, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern held its last full-pad practice on Thursday, two days before holding a closed scrimmage. NU will conduct a light workout -- its 14th spring session -- on Friday.
Coach Randy Walker is anticipating running his team through at least 60 live plays on Saturday. Depending upon weather, the scrimmage will be held on an outdoor practice field or in Trienens Hall. NU canceled its spring game due to the re-sodding of Ryan Field.
With the spring drills winding down, NUSports.com sat down with Walker to get his thoughts on the 'Cats' progress this spring.
NUSports.com: Are the players disappointed they won't be able to play in the stadium Saturday?
RW: In my five years here, we've only been able to get into the stadium twice during the spring. It's disappointing because there's nothing like walking into the stadium on a Saturday. We lose that this year because of our field. But the kids understand that, and I think they'll be excited about scrimmaging.
NUSports.com: Despite all the injuries, was it a productive spring for the offensive line?
RW: We've been without some people on the line this spring, but it's been a positive. We have made a committment to Matt Ulrich at the center position and he has improved greatly during the past couple of weeks. We have reduced our problems with the quarterback-center exchange, and we'll continue to get better on the line.
NUSports.com: We have witnessed a lot of competition for special teams jobs this spring. Who will do the kicking and punting Saturday?
RW: Over the last two weeks, we've decided that Brian Huffman will focus on being our punter. I think he can be the best punter in the Big Ten. We could have the best punt team in the Big Ten. All the place-kicking reps will go to Slade Larscheid and Joel Howells. Both Slade and Joel have improved this spring, and Huffman's done a great job.
NUSports.com: A number of players have changed positions since the fall. What will their roles be?
RW: I believe Jeff Backes will start at cornerback. Ray Bogenrief will start at tight end. Ray has become the best tight end we have, which is what we thought would happen when we moved him over from defense. He's the best blocker we've had, and he runs well enough to make the catches we need our tight ends to make. Derell Jenkins will be at tailback. He's not a finished product there, but I've seen a lot of progress.
NUSports.com: Who will see time at running back Saturday?
RW: I don't know how much Jason Wright will play Saturday. He proved last year that he is a very good player. How the rest of the position will turn out is still uncertain. Right now, Noah Herron needs to show some things. We're going to give Noah, Terrell Jordan and Derell some reps Saturday and continue to evaluate our tailbacks and bring them along.
NUSports.com: Will you be able to use the whole playbook during the scrimmage?
RW: We've done almost everything we wanted to do this spring. There are some things we won't get to until the August, which is fine. Offensively we are doing well, and the defense is flying around the ball. I like our assertiveness and how we are attacking. We will be fired up for Saturday.
