Northwestern University Athletics
Linebackers Lead Up-and-Coming Defense
4/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 21, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Pat Fitzgerald knows a little bit about linebacking. A two-time National Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and '96, Fitzgerald is passing his knowledge of the position to guys like outside linebackers John Pickens (Franklin Lakes, N.J./Ramapo) and Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./Saint Patrick), hoping they can be the mainstays of a defense that greatly improved in 2003.
Fitzgerald believes that before the NU defense can be great once again, his linebackers must gain absolute trust from not only the defense, but the entire team as well.
One guy who has earned his team's trust in the last few years has been Pickens. Along with 106 tackles and six TFL's in 2003, Pickens brings with him an undeniable knack for leadership. With a high-pitched yell, the 6-2, 240-pounder can always be heard getting his team pumped up, whether it be in the huddle or on the sideline.
NUsports.com wraps up its position-by-position reports by sitting down with Fitzgerald and Pickens to get their thoughts on the past spring and the season ahead.
Linebacker Coach Pat Fitzgerald
NUsports.com: As a two-time All America linebacker and NU's recruiting coordinator, what sort of skills are important to possess not only for your players, but for high school linebackers looking to play at the collegiate level?
Pat Fitzgerald: First of all, he needs to be able to make plays. Secondly, he needs to show great athleticism, which includes speed, change of direction, the ability to get off blocks and make positive tackles. Most importantly, he needs to show character and leadership, because one would hope that a linebacker would be the leader of his team.
NU: Young linebackers such as sophomores Adam Kadela and Nick Roach showed great promise last season by playing a key role in special teams and even a little bit at linebacker. How are they progressing this spring?
PF: I think they're really progressing well. They're both very smart football players who can play multiple positions. Coupled with their strength and athleticism, they spend a great amount of time watching film. As they continue to positively progress this spring, they have a chance at becoming very successful football players.
NU: What is your ultimate goal for the linebackers in '04?
PF: Our ultimate goal is to be the most trusted group of players on this football team. Whether it be displaying great character off the field, or being the heartbeat of the defense during the game, we can show that we can be trusted anywhere, anytime. I think that the way that we play will have a direct correlation between wins and losses. If we're successful at linebacker and special teams, there is a great chance of us winning. Our impact on this team will be as playmakers.
Senior Linebacker John Pickens
NUsports.com: In 2003, you made the switch from middle to outside linebacker. How comfortable are you with the position with a year of experience under your belt?
John Pickens: I feel very comfortable. I played outside linebacker in high school and a little bit freshman year, which made the transformation that much easier. Playing both inside and outside, I believe that being versatile is one of my strengths as a linebacker.
NU: Being the lone senior in the linebacker corps, what sort of leadership skills do you bring to the 2004 NU defense?
JP: My leadership style has continued to be both vocal and leading by example. I try to keep things in control out there, especially when things are going wrong. In that situation I try to keep things up upbeat and back on track. When good things happen, I get as excited as possible, keeping things fun and going the right way.
NU: Along with playing linebacker, you've played a considerable amount on special teams over the last three years. How important is it for a player to contribute not only at his position, but on special teams also?
JP: I believe playing special teams is detrimental to the college game. Special teams can make or break a game, so you have to have your best players out there. No matter how much playing time a player gets, if he plays on special teams, he is going to be the best player for that position. Linebackers are good special teams players because we have the athletic abilities needed to get down the field and the beef to take on violent collisions.
Practice 13 Notes
Junior wide receiver Adam Paoli (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) was recently elected Northwestern's Student Athletic Advisory Committee president. The committee is made up of Northwestern student-athletes and faculty representatives, with their main goals being the promotion of communication between athletics administration and student-athletes ... Wednesday's practice was held in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts, and focused mainly on special teams play ... Junior cornerback Marquice Cole (Hazel Crest, Ill./Hillcrest) looked like a wide receiver as he took in an interception in 11-on-11 drills Wednesday. Cole made the most of an overthrown pass as he positioned himself in front of the wide receiver and caught the pass as it flew over his left shoulder and into his outstretched hands ... NU will hold its last spring practice before the Spring Game (presented by Yellow Book USA) at 4 p.m. Thursday.
