Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Kick Off Spring Practice
3/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 30, 2004
EVANSTON, III. -- Northwestern University's football team sprung into action today in Trienens Hall as it began its first day of spring practice. Seventy-five players -- wearing shorts, jerseys and helmets -- participated in the first of 15 allotted practices. Randy Walker, who is in his sixth year as the Wildcats' head coach, was extremely excited to be back on the field.
"This day is like Christmas for me," Walker said. "I was up at 5 a.m. ready to get out there and start coaching again. We get to play football. These kids have had a great off-season, but it's time to put on the pads and play. I am extremely excited about 2004 and the chance to get one day better, everyday."
Walker welcomed back 38 lettermen for spring drills, including 19 starters, from last year's team that finished the regular season 6-6.
On the offensive side of the ball, the 'Cats return eight starters, including junior quarterback Brett Basanez, who in 2003 led NU with 1,916 passing yards. Walker plans to use Basanez's arm more this spring, in hopes of improving a passing game that ranked 103rd out of 117 Division I-A teams last year. An improved aerial assault would complement an already rock-solid rushing attack, which ranked 14th nationally in 2003.
"I've always believed in a balanced attack," Walker said. "In addition to some of our key receivers getting healthy, there are some young guys who know how to catch the ball and run with it. We also possess an offensive line that is mature and can give the quarterback the time necessary to throw the ball."
In addition to watching the veterans of his team step their game up a notch, Walker is also eager to see younger players emerge.
"In addition to our maturity, I like the way the younger guys are coming along. We need to do a good job of developing the youth of this team. We're developing some good depth and some quality young players. Spring football is a time when the younger guys need to step up and vie for playing time.'
NU returns to the gridiron on Thursday, with its second practice slated to begin at 4 p.m.
Practice Notes
With the 'Cats in helmets, shorts, and jerseys, the passing game was highlighted on both ends of the ball in seven-on-seven drills ... Redshirt freshman wide receiver T.J. Jones was on the receiving end of a 35-yard Basanez touchdown pass ... Junior receiver Mark Philmore juked two defenders en route to a 40-yard touchdown reception ... NU's defense compiled three interceptions on the day with junior safety Frederic Tarver hauling in one, and junior cornerback Marquice Cole pulling in the other two.
