Northwestern University Athletics
Giving the Boot: Special Teams Looking for Consistency
4/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 14, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill - NU head coach Randy Walker decided it was time to give the "special" guys on his team a chance to be thoroughly evaluated Wednesday, as the 'Cats held a shortened spring session, primarily focusing on special teams play. With the shortened practice came lightened gear, as the 'Cats donned helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.
Senior punter Brian Huffman (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg), who handles NU's kicking and punting duties, is excited to do double-duty this spring and next season. Huffman is the 'Cats' lone veteran special teamer who has handled NU's punting, kicking and kickoff duties throughout his first three years.
"Huff" and Walker sat down with NUsports.com to discuss the intricacies of NU's special teams.
NU Punter/Place-kicker Brian Huffman
NUsports.com: What sort of exercises have you done in the off-season to strengthen your leg?
Brian Huffman: This off-season I've really emphasized weightlifting. Lifts such as squatting are very effective for overall strength which is important for not only kickers, but for every position. I'm also a big fan of running stairs and plyometrics, which also aids leg strength for kicking and punting.
NU: You've established yourself as NU's special teams veteran. How are the younger kickers/punters developing this spring?
BH: They're progressing very well. Slade Larscheid has had a nagging injury, which limited him this off-season, but he's coming back nicely. Joel Howells is having a great spring and is stepping up big-time, making some sweet kicks. Ryan Pederson is coming into his own as a punter, getting some nice hang time on his punts. Overall, we're a very fresh, developing unit.
NU: Which do you like better and why: punting or kicking?
BH: I like both pretty much equally, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be kicking. I like kicking because you get to help the team by scoring points, which makes it more "rock star" than punting. The ladies like field goals, too, which is a plus.
Head Coach Randy Walker
NUsports.com: Who, out of all of NU's special teamers, has really impressed you this spring?
Randy Walker: I really like the way (Brian) Huffman has been playing. He took on a big responsibility in the middle of last season with the addition of field goal kicking to his punting duties. Right now, he is doing a great job of managing his kicking and punting repetitions in an effective manner, and is ready to take on both jobs full-force. I think he really can be a weapon for us.
NU: In your eyes, who is ready to step up and return kicks and punts for the 'Cats in '04?
RW: Even though he's still recovering from off-season surgery, I think Jeff Backes will definitely be a factor in kickoff returns and possibly punt returns as he gets healthy. It's really nice to have Mark Philmore back returning punts because he's a difference-maker when the ball is in his hands. Derell Jenkins, Marquice Cole, and Terrell Jordan will all get good looks returning kicks as the spring progresses.
NU: What traits do you look for in a special teams player that is going to cover kicks, whether it is kickoffs or punt coverage?
RW: Coverage teams, like all special teams, are all about "want-to." I look for guys who have heart and will play with relentlessness about them. I want to see guys out there who want to make every tackle and every play. We are going to put our most trusted guys in those positions, guys who embrace everything this program is about.
Practice Nine Notes
Redshirt freshman wide receiver T.J. Jones (Southfield, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) highlighted 11-on-11 action as he scampered 80 yards with a Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) pass before defenders finally caught up with him ... NU will return to a more standard-type practice on Thursday, once again donning full gear. The session is scheduled to be held at 4 pm. on NU's outdoor practice fields.
