Northwestern University Athletics
Ryan Keenan Online Journal
4/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 25, 2006
NUsports.com Note: Throughout the month of April, offensive guard Ryan Keenan kept Wildcat fans updated on spring practice. Due to a bout with mononucleosis, Keenan's journal entries were delayed initially. We're glad to report he regained his energy and returned to practice midway through the spring.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 10 (April 25)
The spring game was a huge success as the largest crowd since I've been here attended. It felt good knowing that there was an audience watching the game. Many kids showed up as an autograph session took place prior to kickoff. Also, kids were able to stretch with the players and receive free t-shirts as they went out on the field. The spring game was designed to be very family-oriented and it came through with a nice crowd. As for the students, there were not a whole lot, but there were more than in past years.
The game had a scoring system this year and the offense ended up winning by 32. However, I will defend the defense and say that I am not sure how they could win with the point system because it seemed to favor the offense. But, the system was the way it was and as an offensive player, I am celebrating a victory.
As for the game itself, both sides of the ball toughened up, and forced the other side into some mistakes. The offense could drive the ball, but sometimes would stall out. The defense put together some nice three-and-outs, but sometimes would give up a big play that may have killed their spirits. But, the major thing I noticed from the first day of spring ball was the amount of improvement the team has made. Of course there are going to be some mistakes, there are in every game. As a team, we got rid of the stupid mistakes like offsides or illegal motion. Blocking schemes were targeted better and assignments on defense were not missed often at all. This team is at a good stage after spring ball.
The offense found the end zone a few times as Frayne Abernathy and Ross Lane had touchdown catches. Brandon Roberson also had a touchdown run from 5 yards out. The quarterbacks continue to show they can run the ball extremely well. There is no question that they can make something happen with their feet. The defense was able to force three turnovers all on interceptions. Adam Hahn tipped a pass into Nick Roach's hands, Marquice Cole and Campbell Black also found them the ball during the game. The spring game was a chance for some players to step up and many did, which brings great competition to the team.
Now that spring ball is over, it is almost time for summer. We have three weeks of workouts through May before finals week. The summer calls for the players to take over and make sure the necessary work is happening between the team. We will have a lifting and running program led by Coach Lilja, our strength coach. The players also make time to practice technique, catching, and throwing -- the essentials to playing football. I have a great feeling about this summer as I look for a great turnout of players getting better for this season.
Summer also calls for a couple other things beside football, mainly annoying things. Moving into a new place is probably at the top of the list of things I don't want to do. Packing and moving in the humid Chicago summer is not enjoyable. Some have to get a job. Fortunately for myself, I am working on another internship, which I am actually looking forward to. The good part of the summer is the time outside. It is finally nice enough to sit and grill outside. If you haven't heard, grilling is a popular hobby with O-linemen. I look forward to this summer -- it's a great time to be in Chicago.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 9 (April 21)
Thursday's practice was the last one before the spring game on Saturday. Every play on both sides of the ball has been installed. It was time to go out there and just play. Practice called for more competitions between the offense and defense. The drills were hoot `n' holler, pass protection, and 1-on1's (between the receivers and cornerbacks). The defense was able to take two of the three competitions. This was important especially for what we know now about the spring game. The score during the last 14 practices will carry over to a new point system used in the spring game.
The spring game this year is different than most. In the past, we have had practices or normal scrimmages on this day. This year it will take place on the game field and we will keep score between the offense and defense. The scoring goes like this: Defense can score 1 point for any stop, 2 points for third down stops, 3 points for a turnover, 9 for a touchdown because you get 6 points for scoring and 3 for the turnover. The offense can score 1 point for a first down, 2 for a run over 20 yards or a pass over 30 yards, 3 points for a field goal, and 6 points for a touchdown. I like this new system because it brings more of a competitive nature to the spring game.
Friday is an off day for practice. We do have a lift we get done and a short meeting to watch practice on Thursday. Players must use a day to get the soreness out of their body so they are ready to go for the game. The spring game is meant to be a simulation of a Saturday in the regular season. Every player will do their own thing to make sure they are mentally ready to play. This will be my last spring game and I will be sure to do so.
I am excited for this game because I do not think Northwestern has done something like this. I know of a lot of people showing up to see a good contest. Everyone seems to have more fun when the scoreboard is actually turned on. The spring game seems to be made into an entire day for people and it will be a great experience.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 8 (April 19)
Tuesday was once again a night practice to experience working under the lights. I was not able to be practice yesterday because of a class conflict. But I did hear from teammates about how the competition periods went with the offense and defense. A new drill was introduced for the final week call hoot `n' holler. It is a variation of two previously mentioned drills--the board drill and hamburger drill.
Hoot `n' holler involves four players on each side of the ball. Three O-linemen against three D-linemen, a running back and a linebacker/defensive back. To win, the offense has three tries to gain 10 yards and the defense must hold them. The offense was winning going into the final group 3-1, but Coach Walker decided to make the last group double-or-nothing. The offense took the drill with O-linemen Trevor Rees, Joe Tripodi and Kurt Mattes leading the push in the trenches.
Another competition came between the O-line and D-line in a pass protection drill. For the win, the O-line must not allow the QB to get hit within four seconds; otherwise, the point goes to the defense. The D-line came to rush as Kevin Mims, David Ngene, Mark Koehn and John Gill won their battles with an array of power and quickness. This point kept the defense close in the overall competition. The offense leads overall by the tally of 9-6.
Looking ahead to Thursday, another physical practice with more competitions built into it will be in store. The practice must be sharper than that of Tuesday because it is time to get ready for the spring game. Our team needs to clean up fundamentally and assignment-wise in order to play solid football for Saturday. It should be an eventful spring game as it will possess the same qualities of a regular-season game. I hope a lot of our fans are able to come out the game--the players truly appreciate the support.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 7 (April 17)
This past weekend was enjoyable all around for myself. It was the first weekend in a while that I was feeling close to 100 percent. I played the entire scrimmage on Saturday and felt good after it was over. That night a friend and his family were in Chicago to celebrate Easter and they took me to the greatest restaurant, Foga de Chao. All in all, I cannot complain about this weekend.
I knew I was going to scrimmage on Saturday morning, so I made sure to have energy to take out on the field. The previous night, I just watched a movie and made sure to get a lot of sleep so I could be ready to go. We were treating this scrimmage exactly like a game. We played in the stadium, the coaches were on the sidelines, and refs were there to make calls. I was excited to be able to finally play some football.
Both sides of the ball had its moments on Saturday. For the offense, it was a day to air out the football. We probably threw the ball 50 times -- at least it seemed like it. The defense was able to turn some of those throws into interceptions ending some drives for the offense. Quarterback Andrew Brewer showed he could run the ball effectively by gaining 80 yards. He also found tight end, Frayne Abernathy, in the corner of the end zone for a remarkable catch that I thought was going out of bounds. Tyrell Sutton also caught a 9-yard pass while running some defenders over for a score. Quarterbacks' C.J. Bacher and Mike Kafka showed a good ability to scramble and find some receivers with good throws. The ball was spread around and I believe all the receivers caught at least one pass.
On the defensive side, the big highlight was an interception by Brendan Smith. Smith jumped for the ball bringing it down with one hand making it look easy. As an offensive player, I hate to say it but it was a great play. Cornerback Ryan Black picked off a pass tipped by a receiver ending a drive that looked like the offense was going to cash in on. D-linemen David Ngene and Kevin Mims each had a sack. Also Warren Anderson had a tackle for loss. The day was full of big plays on both sides of the ball.
To finish practice the team ran a few 100-yard sprints that everyone made in time. A quick lift followed and it was time for lunch. I made it a light lunch because I knew I was heading to Foga de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse. If you have not been, I highly recommend it. Sunday and Monday are much needed days off to get some soreness out of the body in preparation for the final week of spring football '06.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 6 (April 14)
I woke up Thursday morning without any academic issues that I needed to take care of. I could sleep in a little, which is a great feeling. My only purpose for the day was to put on the pads for the first time all spring and play some football. Thursday's practice was an opportunity for me to do even more drills and competition than the practice before.
I was able to do all of the individual period, focusing on pass protection and run blocking. I also got to take part in a drill called `combos.' This drill involves the O-line, D-line, tight ends and linebackers. The drill is split in two sides -- the left and right sides. From here the offense runs a particular play while the defense tries to react and get off blocks. This was the first time since last season I went full contact against someone. And let me tell you, it felt good.
Another highlight was that I took team reps at the end of practice. This is something that must be done if one is to get better. Team reps allow you to get a feeling for the speed of the game and the toughness needed in order to play. I plan on doing some scrimmaging on Saturday and doing these team reps is a big help when it is time for full-go action. Otherwise, during the scrimmage on Saturday, it may have taken me more time to adapt to the game play.
To end practice, a few 100's were to be run -- a disliked, but essential part of football. Everyone made his times with yards to spare. One thing I have noticed this spring is that when it comes to running, improvement has been made.
As for the rest of the night it was time to relax and rest the body. A little television and some cards did the job. On Friday, it was time to watch film and see how my first day of pads went.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 5 (April 13)
I woke up Wednesday morning to go to my first class. I'll be honest about it -- it's a pretty boring class. But, I did not mind as much because I knew I was going to be able to actually do something at practice later in the day. This was the first time in three weeks that I was going to do something other than sleep, eat, and watch practice due to my mono. All that gets really old, really fast. I was excited to be back on the field with the rest of my teammates.
Practice on Wednesday was only in helmets. These days are the ones that we need to play fast and with our hands. Without pads protecting us, the physicality of the game is put on hold until Thursday when it will be a full practice with drills that involves tough play. Wednesday's practice needed to be a focus day -- everyone knowing their assignments, being in proper body positions and taking good courses to get where they need to be.
This practice is lighter for many people on the team, but I had to go right in there knowing that I have not exerted myself in some time. As a result, I am writing this with sore legs after about an hour of practice. I did individual drills that involves me having a good body position while moving with defenders, taking pass sets and going through different run block progressions that would be experienced while scrimmaging. Also, I took part in pass protection drills against the defense. This drill is simple, pass protect against the D-line. After all this, my legs felt as if I had been in the weight room doing squats all day. But, it does not worry me. Soreness is part of coming back from an injury or sickness. In two weeks, my `football' legs will be back in shape and ready to go.
All in all, I thought practice was a positive day. It was time to figure out assignments and have good timing on plays. For many, it helped to freshen their legs in order to prepare for a tough, physical day on Thursday. Now it is time to take what was learned from practice and carry it over to live situations.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 4 (April 11)
Tuesday ended up being a great day for me. My virus numbers for mononucleosis have dropped drastically. I woke up yesterday at about 10 a.m. to make sure I could get blood work done in time to see the doctor later in the day. The results came in and I still was diagnosed with mono, but the inflammation in my body was down low enough to start doing some practice.
I explained in previous journals how practice was going when I just was observing. It was a nice perspective for a short time, but there is always that itch to get back on the field. Although I will not be participating in every drill once I return on Wednesday, this is still a positive step that I need to take. The last couple of weeks, the illness has kept me completely sidelined. Finally, I am able move around faster than walking speed. They are allowing me to do individual drills, pass protection and a couple of 100-yard sprints. I know it will feel good to be with the team again on the field.
I was not able to be at Tuesday's night practice due to a class conflict. I did hear that it went pretty well as the offense and defense continued to compete hard against each other. I also heard that `board drill' was the most intense yet. Players were excited to do it. Offensive guys were calling out defensive guys and vice versa. It makes the team better when all guys play with motivation and something to prove. I think it brings out another side that you never thought would occur until that point in time.
Wednesday's practice was described more as a speed and hands day. We are going out there in helmets, probably doing more special teams. Tuesday and Thursday are both full pads as we prepare for the second spring scrimmage on Saturday. I look forward to the improvement we will make and notice from scrimmage to scrimmage.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 3 (April 10)
It was an early morning on Saturday, but for some reason it was easier to pull myself out of bed. You can ask any player about what their favorite day in spring ball is and the overwhelming response would be "Saturday." Saturday is the closest you get to simulating game conditions. There are no individual or passing drills to do. Every Saturday, players are expected to get their mentality to the right spot, warm-up and scrimmage hard for about two hours.
The locker room is more intense than any other time of the year besides gameday. Players are studying tip sheets on assignments, some isolate themselves to think about their play and others psych themselves up by listening to Metallica. Everybody has their own method to make sure they are ready to take the field.
The scrimmage opened with an impressive offensive drive ending in a touchdown. The offense was able to pick up two third-and-shorts and a fourth-and-one. That stat is especially promising because this keeps drives alive and proves that the O-line is getting push at the point of attack. With a few O-linemen out, senior Joe Tripodi and junior Trevor Rees were the leaders of a running game on a drive that would not be denied for the offense.
The offense came out hot and scored again on their second drive. The running backs were all running hard. As an offensive linemen, I could not complain one bit because of the way they were running downhill and hitting the holes. Tailbacks Tyrell Sutton, Terrell Jordan, Brandon Roberson and Omar Conteh all had a good day and on many plays they fought for extra yards even with a whole defense on their back. The quarterbacks proved that they can take off and run to make something out of nothing, but the timing on some throws seemed to be a little off with the receivers. This is not a concern though, repetitions at practice will fix that very soon.
The offense would then cool down due to the defense turning up their play. D-linemen John Gill and Kevin Mims were getting penetration that was extremely disruptive to the offense. Turnovers, a big part of our defense last year, were forced, which halted drives that seemed to be promising for the offense. Outstanding outside 'backer Nick Roach had an interception and Chris Malleo recovered a fumble. It was a seesaw battle with one side doing well and the other not playing to full potential. When consistency is found on both sides of the ball there are going to be some great battles at scrimmages and that will make us a tough team to beat.
On another note, kicker Joel Howells was flawless on the day. He seemed to be hitting the ball really well as all of his attempts had a lot more distance than what was needed.
Also, I have another blood test tomorrow. Recently, an inflamed liver has kept me out of practice. This time, I am hoping that the liver is closer to normal so I can finally do something in practice and lift some weights. Hopefully this is the week.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 2 (April 7)
The entire coaching staff and all the players knew that Thursday's practice needed to be more physical and an overall quality day. Our first practice of the week could have been better, especially on the offensive side. As a result, the senior leaders on the offense held a meeting before practice to make sure everyone was on the same page when it came to expectations for the day. After seeing Thursday's practice, I could see a big difference in the play.
During our position meetings, we put in a few new plays and watched how they were ran on older film. But, these meetings were different because they were shortened by 20 minutes because of the anticipation for extended time in `the board drill.' This drill involves good technique (e.g. staying low, shooting the hands, driving feet with a base) and a `who-wants-it-more' attitude. There is a board between the legs of two competitors and the idea is to block your opponent off the board. This drill went on for a longer time than normal and just about everyone on the team went. There were some great battles, some overmatched guys and draws. Overall, I could not decipher a winner between the offense and defense.
The next drill that fires up players and spectators was a running drill called `interior.' The ball is placed on the 5-yard line going into the end zone. This was a period that the offense emphasized to do a lot better in. The first play had the o-line reaching right with our fullback Erryn Cobb as lead blocker. Cobb found the lane and drove right through there into the end zone while tailback Tyrell Sutton ran easily for the touchdown. After that opening play the offense would get in for the score 4 out of 5 times. This period in practice was obviously much improved compared to Tuesday.
During our team periods, Coach Walker always has one period that is full-go with something at stake that he announces after spring ball. So, the drill was offense versus defense, third down and three-to-four, best three-out-of-five plays wins. The defense won this drill on Tuesday with the first and second stringers. The first string was up first and they found themselves in the same position as Tuesday with the score tied two to two. Quarterback Mike Kafka rolled to his left looking for wide receiver Shaun Herbert near the sideline and the ball tipped off his hands incomplete. The defense won their second straight team drill.
As for the second stringers in the team period, it was tailback Terrell Jordan's day. The offense would end up winning four out of the five plays. With some solid blocking up front, Jordan picked up three first downs all from zone running plays. And let me tell you, this man was running hard. Jordan would break through the first line and pick up three or four extra yards by carrying numerous defenders.
After practice, everyone had a good feeling. The day was much better than Tuesday and everyone knew it. Coach Walker assured us that coming out to practice with great enthusiasm and work ethic would get us all one day better. And if we keep doing that all year, we're going to be a tough team to handle. But until then, the next practice has to be even better.
JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 1 (April 6)
Spring football is over a week old, but I've only been able to observe the action from the sidelines. Recently I was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which is a virus that primarily affects the liver and spleen. The only remedy is rest and time. I expect to have this virus under control by the third week of spring so I can get back on the field and help our offense..
Mononucleosis gives me a perspective that I do not often have -- the perspective from the sideline. Although I do not enjoy this view, I am able to see things that I normally do not from being in the huddle. I can see the entire defensive scheme, which makes me yell things to our offense, just hoping that our players can hear my voice calling for the mike linebacker blitz and the 3-technique slant.
The aspect of evaluating and noticing effort becomes evident when observing. The team's improvement as whole is obvious from day to day. Basically, I notice anything on the field compared to when you are playing and zoned in on your job to make the blocks for a successful play.
This spring, the offensive line has several injured players, but it gives the younger guys opportunities to show what they can do. Austin Mathews (hip), Dylan Thiry (shoulder), and Alex Rucks (knee) are all out for spring football. Because of the injuries up front Thomas Bemenderfer (LT), Kurt Mattes (RT), Desmond Taylor (L and R Tackle) and Tyler Compton (G) have the chance to see what Division I college football is all about.
Currently, the effort and potential of these individuals cannot be questioned. For these young linemen, it is a matter of learned technique and being sound with their assignments. Getting to that level of consistency as a team is a tough task, which is why football is an all-year kind of deal.
Over the winter, we lost Coach Patton (former NU O-line coach) to Oklahoma University. The man replacing Coach Patton is Bret Ingalls. Coach Ingalls has been accepted fully by the offense. The football knowledge he possesses is clear when you have a short conversation with him about offensive schemes. Coach Ingalls seems to relate well to his players and meeting time is fun even while we are getting quality work done. I can tell the program is excited to have Coach Ingalls as a part of this team.
I hope I won't be an observer much longer. I want to be out on the field, leading and playing hard. Sitting on the sidelines and yelling things out to my teammates can only motivate so much. It helps tremendously when you are out there with them, going through what everyone is experiencing and performing at high levels.
