Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Complete Final Practice Before Spring Game
4/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 21, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- On Tuesday, NUsports.com checked the Wildcats' offensive pulse. Today, defensive coordinator Greg Colby gives his take on the other side of the ball.
NUsports.com: You've had several starters out for much of the spring with injuries; how have you turned this into a positive for your defense?
Colby: We are trying to get a lot of work for the backup players and young guys. We are getting a good picture of where we are with those guys, so once everyone is back, it will help.
NUsports.com: Are there any concerns with regards to your injured players and will they be ready to go in August?
Colby: No, they will be ready. Based on what we have been told by the medical staff they should cleared, back and healthy.
NUsports.com: Linebacker was one position where a lot of younger guys got to see a lot of playing time. Did any player take advantage of the opportunity and really step up this spring?
Colby: Prior to ankle injury the other day, (Eddie) Simpson was doing well. (Rejaie) Johnson has shown some good things. (Demetrius) Eaton is where he was before, and he has reiterated that, and Campbell Black has had his best spring ever. He has shown more strength, he has more of the technique down, he is making plays more consistently. I'm not saying he is a starter, but he has put himself in a position where he would be a strong sub. We are not afraid to put him on the field.
NUsports.com: How would you rate the play of your secondary and defensive line this spring? Did any players stand out?
Colby: Secondary-wise we are doing well and, we are happy with all four guys on the line. It is nice to have Marquice (Cole) back and Jeff (Backes), even though we have kept him out trying to protect him. We moved (Bryan) Heinz to strong safety, and he is doing a good job and seems to be comfortable there. Reggie McPherson is young and growing at free safety.
NUsports.com: What needs to happen for this defense to take another step and improve upon last year's performance?
Colby: We need to continue stopping the run, and we have tried to make quantum improvements in defending the passing game. That has been the focus and the basis on which we've done everything this spring. The secondary and the linebackers have really focused on that. We need to have more of a presence up front for the defensive line, which will help the defenders in the back half. We just need to carry through with that and show it in the fall.
PRACTICE NOTES: Practice today was outside and went 17 periods ... Saturday's game begins approximately at noon ... In case of inclement weather, the game could move to Trienens Hall or the practice field north of the softball diamond. Stay tuned to NUsports.com for the latest developments.
