Northwestern University Athletics
Keeping it Running: 'Cats Stick With Strong Ground Game
4/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 8, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Thursday's spring football recap takes a look at the running back position, which has been a strength for the Wildcats for the better part of a decade. Even with the loss of All-Big Ten running back Jason Wright to graduation, NU boasts a pair of extremely talented runners in Noah Herron (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan) and Terrell Jordan (Clarkston, Ga./Tucker). NUsports.com sat down with Herron and first-year coach Kevin Johns to discuss how NU plans to keep their running attack one of the best in the country.
Running Backs Coach Kevin Johns
NUsports.com: Being an offensive graduate assistant at NU from 1999 to 2001, what changes have you seen from then until your return last December?
Kevin Johns: When I returned for the bowl game, I noticed a huge difference. With my arrival here in 1999, kids were having a hard time adjusting to Coach Walker, and how demanding he is as a coach. Today, I feel like there are more kids in the boat, moving in the right direction, than there were when I was a graduate assistant. The players really embraced what Coach Walker expected of them, taking responsibility for how they play, and also demanding a lot from themselves.
NU: How do you plan to replace Jason Wright and keep the rushing attack tops in the nation in 2004?
KJ: It's going to be difficult to replace a running back like Jason, who brought his own style of running to the field. The guy you're going to find next year is Noah Herron, who brings his own flavor to the game. Noah is such a great athlete who can do so many things. He has better speed than what people think he has; he has great quickness which, coupled with his size, makes him a very complete package.
NU: Many people look to the quarterback as the leader of the offense. How much of a leadership role does the running back play in an offense such as Northwestern's?
KJ: I think there are two distinct types of leadership that are apparent between the quarterback and the running back. The quarterback needs to be "the guy." He needs to know what is going on at all times, and get everybody organized in the huddle. With the quarterback taking a more managerial leadership role, that gives the running back a chance to be very vocal and to lead by example. Along with the signal-caller, the running back needs to be a guy who the team looks up to and can depend on in all situations.
Running Back Noah Herron
NUsports.com: NU has boasted a slew of skilled runners in the last decade in Darnell Autry, Damien Anderson and Jason Wright. What unique style do you bring to the running game as the 2004 season approaches?
NH: For me, my game isn't about filling shoes. If I fill them, then that's great. The most important thing is that I'm going to do everything I can to help this offense become as successful as possible, no matter what style it shows as.
NU: In 2003, you lined up as a wide receiver in some offensive formations. How important is it for a running back to not only run the ball well, but also catch effectively?
NH: With a complex offense like ours, you need it. When you can spread the field and get a mismatch, like myself on a linebacker, it maximizes the offense's capability. Being blessed with good hands has enabled me to line up wide and give the quarterback another option in the passing game.
NU: As you enter your fifth season at Northwestern, how have you matured as a player?
NH: When I first came to NU, I was a typical immature freshman. As time has progressed, certain role models and friends helped me grow up. Guys like Damien Anderson helped set an example to follow, and being best friends with Jason (Wright) really aided me in maturing not only as a person, but also as a football player.
Practice Six Notes
The Wildcats wrap up their second week of spring practice Saturday with a scrimmage scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The scrum is tentatively slated to be played at Ryan Field ... Members of the St. Patrick High School football team were on hand to view practice today. St. Patrick is the alma mater of junior linebacker Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) ... Full-contact drills displayed the physicality of sophomore linebacker Nick Roach (Milwaukee, Wis./Milwaukee Lutheran), as he put a vicious hit on the running back, sending the ball-carrier's feet flying high into the air ... Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kim Thompson (Inkster, Mich./Detroit Country Day) continued to exhibit his pass-catching abilities in 7-on-7 drills. With the cornerback all over him, Thompson made an amazing one-handed catch, wowing spectators ... In 11-on-11 drills, junior wide receiver Mark Philmore (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Reynoldsburg) speedily evaded all defenders on his way to a 60-yard touchdown reception.
