Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Conducts First Spring Practice in Full Pads
3/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 31, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's fourth spring practice was the first in full pads, which meant more hitting and more full contact for the Wildcats Saturday morning.
NCAA rules require that a school's first three practices be conducted without full pads, providing the student-athletes with an acclimation period.
One of the regular highlights of a spring or fall's first full day in pads is the "board drill," which pits an offensive player against a defensive player. The player who knocks his opponent "off the board" wins the drill. At the end of the two-period drill, a best-out-of-five contest was held. NU's offense won the contest, taking four of the five head-to-head matchups versus the defense.
"Every football player loves the first day in full pads," said head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "There's never a lack of enthusiasm on this day. I've been pleased with our attitude thus far. Our goal as spring continues is to sharpen our focus and get better as a football team."
NUsports.com spoke with linebacker Adam Kadela (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman), the leader of the Wildcats' 2007 defense. Kadela is one of eight returning defensive starters and the Wildcats' top returning tackler.
Click Here to watch the interview on NUSports.com All-Access.
PRACTICE NOTES:
• Northwestern wrapped up its first week of spring practice on Saturday. The Wildcats resume their spring season early Tuesday morning.
• A large number of area football coaches, among other special guests, were on hand to watch Saturday's practice.
• A light shower greeted the Wildcats as practice began, just before 9 a.m. By the end of the morning, however, the sun was shining with temperatures nearing 60 degrees.
