Northwestern University Athletics
School of Hard Knocks
4/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 20, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill - When people think about the benefits of playing the defensive back position, they probably reference the word "interception." NU senior cornerback Marvin Ward (Landover, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt) would like to be remembered, along with his unit, not only as great pass-defenders, but also as hitters.
Ward returns amidst a wealth of experienced for the Wildcats' defensive backfield, which includes senior safety Dominique Price (Louisville, Ky./DuPont Manual), and junior cornerbacks Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) and Marquice Cole (Hazel Crest, Ill./Hillcrest). In addition to the returning experience, sophomore safety Bryan Heinz (Lone Tree, Colo./Highlands Ranch) was a pleasant surprise in 2003, ranking third in the Big Ten with five interceptions.
Assistant head coach/defensive back coach Jerry Brown agrees that his squad needs to be more physical to be an intimidating force in 2004. NUsports.com sat down with Brown and Ward to discuss the tools the "DBs" need to successfully construct a solid nucleus this spring and into next season.
Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Back Coach Jerry Brown
NUsports.com: With the loss of Torri Stuckey and Louis Ayeni to graduation, how do you plan to replenish their contributions at the safety position?
Jerry Brown: One aspect of the game that both of those guys brought was hitting. A guy that is the same-type caliber of hitter as those two would be Dominique (Price). Bryan Heinz also is slowly but surely coming along in his ability to put a hit on the ball carrier. Over the last few years, and progressing into the future, we've been very lucky to have great hitters at the safety position.
NU: What type of skills does your unit need to improve upon to be the best it can be this spring?
JB: We have to do a better job at getting interceptions, and in turn, catching the ball. We did a decent job in '03, but we need to improve even more to be a dominant unit. Batting the ball down is great, but I want to be greedy; I want us to not only catch the ball, but catch it and take it for a score. I want my players to be infused with that greediness.
NU: Along with being sound, technical football players, what sort of attitude do you want your guys to have heading into next season?
JB: I've always believed that there is a chemistry that exists within a unit that takes it from being good, to being great. In 1995 and '96, that chemistry existed not only on game days, but in practice also. It has to be between everybody on the defense; not just between defensive backs and defensive backs, but between every single man on the defense. We can be very good, but why settle for good when you can be great? Once that bond develops, we are going to open some eyes.
Senior Cornerback Marvin Ward
NUsports.com: As a cornerback, what do you believe sets you apart from other cornerbacks in the Big Ten?
Marvin Ward: I would have to say, coupled with my strength, my ability to hit. Many times cornerbacks are fast but don't really like to tackle, but I love it. Playing a little bit of safety this year helped perpetuate that mind-set-to play as physical as I possibly can.
NU: Which, in your eyes, is more fun: putting a punishing hit on a ball-carrier or picking off a pass?
MW: I love making the big hit, but if they don't fumble it, they still have the ball afterwards. Picking off a pass is a big play for the defense. When the opposing offense gets close to our end zone, an interception is like taking points off of the board. Picking off a pass also makes the quarterback think twice about throwing the ball your way.
NU: What sort of things have you learned from former defensive backs and pro-prospects such as Torri Stuckey and Louis Ayeni that you can take with you next season?
MW: Those guys left an identity and an attitude for this defense. Each of them wanted to completely dominate their opponent both physically and mentally. Every time they had a chance to hit somebody, they were looking to put every single ounce of energy into that hit as to punish the ball carrier. That mentality will stick with me and this defense going into next year.
Practice 12 Notes
NU broke a string of nine straight practices outdoors Tuesday, as adverse weather conditions forced the 'Cats to hold practice in Trienens Hall ... Erryn Cobb (Woodridge, Ill./Downers Grove North), a former fullback converted to linebacker, returned to the offensive side of the ball Tuesday. To more effectively use his size and athleticism, NU coaches have moved Cobb to the H-back position, where he will get a chance to both block and handle the football for the Wildcat offense ... Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kim Thompson (Inkster, Mich./Detroit Country Day) continued to impress in 7-on-7 drills Tuesday with two nice catches, which displayed the young pass-catcher's hands and speed. The first catch featured Thompson outrunning two NU defenders, as he sprinted 60 yards for the score. The second involved Thompson displaying his leaping abilities, as he bounded over an NU safety, bobbled the pass in mid-air, and came down with the catch ... Redshirt freshman safety Reggie McPherson (San Leandro, Calif./San Leandro) put together two aggressive plays in a row in live 11-on-11 action. The first came when McPherson came out of the bottom of a pile of NU defenders with a fumble recovery. On the ensuing play, McPherson forcefully swatted down a Chris Malleo (Wall Township, N.J./Wall Township/The Hun School of Princeton) pass right before an NU receiver was about to catch it ... NU takes the field once again on Wednesday with practice slated to be held in Trienens Hall at 4 p.m.
