Northwestern University Athletics
NU Passing Game Shines in Final Spring Scrimmage
4/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 24, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head coach Randy Walker had one clear-cut goal going into this spring: get the passing game back to where it needs to be. At the conclusion of NU's final spring scrimmage Saturday, the NU offense looked like it had taken a large step toward that goal. The game was presented by Yellow Book USA.
Junior quarterback Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator), who played a limited amount of snaps, displayed pinpoint accuracy in his throws as he completed 12 of 14 attempts for an 86% completion percentage.
"I'm really impressed with the way he (Basanez) has taken on the challenge of 2003 and become a better football player," said Walker. "I think we're going to see a lot of different guy in the future. I believe he's going to have a great season next year."
Walker also credits Basanez's development as a good blend of physical and mental maturation.
"I really respect the way he's responded since last year," Walker commented. "He didn't complain or whine; he went to work, both in the weight room and with his film study. He's spent more time than anybody getting stronger and becoming a more intelligent quarterback."
Redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Malleo (Wall Township, N.J./Wall Township/The Hun School of Princeton) looked equally as impressive as he completed 16 of 28 passes for 195 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman receiver Kim Thompson (Inkster, Mich./Detroit Country Day).
"I feel great about today," said Malleo. "The more repetitions I get, the more accustomed I am to our offense. I've learned a lot from Brett (Basanez) and Coach Dunbar. With guys like Kim (Thompson) to throw to, and our offensive line blocking well, it makes my progression that much easier."
Arguably NU's most improved player this spring, Kim Thompson has steadily acquired a knack for catching anything thrown in his direction. On the day, Thompson pulled down five receptions for 99 yards, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch, including the 30-yarder from Malleo.
"I thought today went very well," Thompson said. "I really think my play-making ability shined. I have a lot to work on, but things are starting to come together."
Along with Thompson, junior tight end Taylor Jones (Gladstone, Mo./Winnetonka) added a touchdown reception, when Malleo found him wide open in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard scoring strike.
With the 'Cats mainly focusing on throwing the ball, senior running back Noah Herron (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan) saw limited action. The All-Big Ten candidate rushed for 21 yards on five carries, including a punishing 2-yard touchdown scamper.
Redshirt freshman Nathan Shanks (Taylorville, Ill./Taylorville) led all NU runners with 46 yards on 14 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, the play-of-the-day came when sophomore linebacker Nick Roach (Milwaukee, Wis./Milwaukee Lutheran) showed a burst of speed and picked off a Basanez pass.
"I was looking for somebody in my zone," Roach said. "I picked up the receiver, made a nice break and got my hands on the ball. It got the defense pumped up, which was the most important thing."
The next time the 'Cats take the field will be for "Camp Kenosha," on August 11. NU will spend preseason practice in Kenosha, Wis. in preparation for their nationally televised Sept. 2 meeting with TCU in Fort Worth.
Scrimmage Leaders
PASSING -- Malleo, Chris 16-28-195, 2 TD; Basanez, Brett 12-14-166, 1 INT
RUSHING -- Shanks, Nathan 14-49; Malleo, Chris 5-31
RECEIVING -- Thompson, Kim 5-99, 1TD; Bass, Frank 4-40
