Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Continue Spring Drills
4/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- On Thursday afternoon, Northwestern completed the sixth session of the spring season on a cool, windy day at NU's FieldTurf practice field. NUsports.com checked in with sophomore Eric Peterman (Springfield, Ill./Sacred Heart-Griffin) who recently made the position switch from wide receiver to defensive back.
NUsports.com: How has the transition been and what has been the most challenging aspect of switching to the other side of the ball?
Peterman: I'm still getting used to things. I met with the coaches a few days ago and talked about how things were going and we are going to sit down in another week to discuss position terms. The most challenging part has been learning the techniques and learning how to read the coverage. It's a lot of running backwards and now you have to learn two playbooks instead of just one. It is really two different worlds and still very awkward at times, but I'm learning.
NUsports.com: How does your experience on the other side of the ball help you be a better defensive back?
Peterman: A lot of times, I can tell what routes they are going to run, but it is just a matter of getting my technique down and running backwards.
NUsports.com: How is the defense progressing?
Peterman: We are definitely young, but have been making big plays when we need to. I feel like they did that last season also and it has carried over to spring ball as well.
NUsports.com: Coach Walker says you can take a good football player and put him at any skill position and he can play that position well. What are your thoughts about that?
Peterman: A good football player needs to be able to adapt no matter what. You need to know the game. You have to love the game and want to do it. You have to study film and learn the techniques at every position. In this case, the switch happened quickly, and the coaches said it was the best situation for the team, so you just have to go with it and see how it works out.
Practice Notes
• The Wildcats will hold a rare spring practice on Friday (April 7), although it is expected to be a shorter, yet still vigorous practice session. On Saturday, the Wildcats will conduct an extended scrimmage. Saturday marks the midway point of the 2006 spring season.
• Northwestern began its productive Thursday practice session with the "board drill" -- a popular drill that pits one offensive player against a defensive player.
