Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Start Third Week of Spring Ball
4/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 11, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's ninth spring practice was an evening event held outside on NU's FieldTurf practice field. With the winds howling over 30 miles per hour, the Wildcats' kicking drills were interesting to say the least. NUsports.com sat down with place-kicker Joel Howells (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) after practice to see how his spring season is going.
NUsports.com: You had a perfect day kicking on Saturday but the weather today made your job a little more eventful. How has the spring gone for you overall?
Howells: It's gone well, not quite as good as I thought it would be, but we keep improving. Right now, I'm trying to polish techniques and trying to be consistent. The team has gotten better intensity-wise and several people have stepped up their play.
NUsports.com: How are the new snappers and holders progressing during the spring?
Howells: Phil (Brunner) (South Milwaukee, Wis./South Milwaukee) has been doing a good, consistent job. John Gill (Los Altos Hills, Calif./Bellarmine College Prep) has been getting better. (Shaun) Herbert (Oxon Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) and Slade (Larscheid) (Spearfish, S.D./Spearfish) have been doing well as our holders.
NUsports.com: Have there been any aspects of your game that you are emphasizing in the off-season?
Howells: The biggest thing right now is consistency. I'm also trying to work on height and having a consistent form -- just overall trying to polish everything up. I have a habit of picking my head up, so we do a lot of drills focused on keeping my head down the whole time. I'm also focusing on pointing my toe and working on steps without kicking the ball a lot more.
NUsports.com: With the new FieldTurf practice field, Northwestern has been able to conduct all of its spring practices outside. How much does that help kickers and punters?
Howells: It makes each situation a lot more game like. Especially in a day like today, or when it's rainy. Practicing outside reveals flaws that would normally be hidden indoors, so you know what to focus on improving.
NUsports.com: Slade Larscheid, Amado Villarreal and Kyle Daley are battling for the punting duties this spring. How are they looking?
Howells: All three have been steadily improving. They all have strengths and weaknesses. It's still a battle and they will probably keep competing even into the fall.
Practice Notes:
• Chris Malleo and Akeem Hunter continue to practice at new positions. Malleo, a former quarterback and H-back, is now playing linebacker, while Hunter, a running back, is playing safety.
• Northwestern returns to the field again on Wednesday (4 p.m.), and will practice in helmets, but no pads.
