Northwestern University Athletics
Camp Kenosha: Day Eight
8/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2006
KENOSHA, Wis. - Still north of the Illinois border in Kenosha, Wis., the Northwestern football team finished up the first of two Wednesday practices this morning. Wednesday's `first go' was in full pads while the afternoon practice will be in shells (helmets and shoulder pads). The Wildcats are gearing up for Friday's 3 p.m. scrimmage and looked every bit the part of a team waiting for game action.
NUsports.com caught up with first-year running backs coach Matt MacPherson after practice to get his thoughts on the running backs.
NUsports.com: After spending two years at Northwestern as the team's defensive graduate assistant, and now working on the offensive side of the ball, has there been much of a transition period for you?
Coach MacPherson: Of course, moving from defense to offense there is certainly a transition period. What I have been trying to do with our running backs is give them some defensive knowledge on what teams will try to do with different defensive sets before the snap of the ball. Things that will happen or what to expect with certain formations or certain coverages.
NUsports.com: Assess the talent level of your running backs and the potential of this group?
Coach MacPherson: The potential is great. We have a great group of guys who continue to work hard throughout camp and continue to get better everyday. We have Tyrell Sutton who proved last year he can be a difference maker, but now he has to go out and prove it again with the proverbial target on his back. Terrell Jordan, Brandon Roberson, Omar Conteh and Nathan Shanks and even the young guys Stephen Simmons and Rob (Ice Water) Brown are all hard-working players. So, the potential is certainly there, it's just up to them to see where they want to take it.
NUsports.com: Besides the quarterback question everyone has been asking, how are Tyrell Sutton and Terrell Jordan doing?
Coach MacPherson: `The Rells' are doing fine. They give us a great one-two punch in the backfield. We're going to try and get them out on the field at the same time, find out what they can do together. They're two of our best football players, we're going to get the football in their hands and let them go.
NUsports.com: Because of his background, Coach Walker had some strong beliefs about the running game. Do you take some added pride in continuing Coach Walker's legacy with the running game?
Coach MacPherson: I do. I think it's a big responsibility. He was one of the best running backs coaches in America. Even as a head coach all those years, he was still known as a great running backs coach. He set some high standards, I know my guys and our team are up for that challenge and we will do everything we can to make sure those standards are met.
NUsports.com: Do you have more anticipation for the season opener on Aug. 31 against Miami (Ohio) or the upcoming phone call from your wife that your about to have your second child?
Coach MacPherson: The baby (laughing), because I know when the season opener is going to be.
