Northwestern University Athletics
Camp Kenosha: Day Seven
8/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2003
KENOSHA, Wis. - And on the seventh day, they practiced? No, it is not Sunday, but it has been a week since Northwestern traveled north to Wisconsin-Parkside for its annual preseason football camp.
Day seven of Camp Kenosha was a little different than the first six, as the entire travel party ventured 10 minutes east to Carthage College. Located next to Lake Michigan on Sheridan Road, the Carthage Redmen play on an AstroPlay surface, which happens to be the same playing surface as the University of Kansas' Memorial Stadium. NU opens the 2003 season in Lawrence on Aug. 30.
With an extra spring in their step, both the offense and defense took the transition in stride as players tried out different shoes throughout practice. Different positions require different shoes for traction and speed.
The offense seemed to be flying high today as quarterbacks consistently hit receivers and the offensive line opened holes for running backs. NUsports.com interviewed offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar after practice to see how the offensive side of the ball was progressing.
NUsports.com: Coach Dunbar, since the team has been in Kenosha, how has the offense progressed or improved and what position have you seen the biggest improvement?
Coach Dunbar: "Since the spring and especially since we've been in camp the biggest improvement has been the team's consistency. The kids understand our offensive system better, which has helped us (the coaching staff) identify and put together the units so that they get the chance to work together. And naturally, when you start playing together as a unit you start to stabilize and get some consistency in the front line. The receivers and quarterbacks had a great summer working out together. Throughout camp we've seen the progress that they have made in regards to the timing of the passing game."
NUsports.com: Focusing on the quarterbacks, how is the competition between Brett Basanez and Alexander Webb?
Coach Dunbar: "Well, Brett (Basanez) obviously had all the experience a year ago and he has continued to improve and is now 100-percent healthy. He continues to do some good things and make good decisions when he's under center. Alexander (Webb) is a tremendous athlete and did not get the experience last year. He only played 18 snaps so he's trying to gain that experience. The way we practice is extremely competitive and the quarterback has to deal with all situations. Alexander continues to improve on a daily basis."
NUsports.com: On the offensive side of the ball, are there any freshmen that will come in and compete for playing time?
Coach Dunbar: "It's a little early to tell. Without the traditional three days of orientation they've received in year's past, the freshmen have kind of been scrambling. Mainly because when the veterans report you move ahead at their pace and it makes it very difficult on the new players. So without the one-on-one time early on, the freshmen have been scrambling to grasp the offense. But we continue to see steady improvement with less mental mistakes and errors every practice. But I will say, the freshmen class as a whole is outstanding and I think in time you'll see some young guys in there. They just need the opportunity to catch up with the mental part of college football and learn our system."
NUsports.com: What is your favorite part of Camp Kenosha?
Coach Dunbar: "I think it's the opportunity to be with the players 24 hours a day. It gives me a chance to see the kids in a different light because when we get back to Evanston they're off going to class and doing their thing and I'm off doing my thing. But up here, we're all kind of together and it gives me a chance to talk to the kids and believe it or not, we do talk about things other than football. I have a great time with my guys, the generation gap between us generates some interesting conversation."
Coach Dunbar is in his second season as NU's offensive coordinator, third overall.
