Northwestern University Athletics
Day Three in Kenosha
8/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2007
NOTE: Tuesday morning's practice from 9-11:30 will be held at Carthage due to predicted rain in tomorrow's forecast.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After an off day Sunday, the Wildcats returned to the practice field Monday morning in full pads for their second preseason two-a-day session. A special guest was in attendance: former Northwestern head coach Gary Barnett who led the Purple to Pasadena during the 1995 season. Barnett will give a speech to the players Tuesday night.
Also making an appearance was former NU running back Bob Christian (1987-90), who still ranks third on NU's all-time rushing list with 2,643 yards.
The evening session went 16 periods, finishing up with conditioning sprints at the end. Standing out was the passing game, which was crisp and percise during 7-on-7 drills. Quarterbacks C.J. Bachér and Mike Kafka hit receiver after receiver on out routes, crossing routes, curls, quick slants, deep fades and post patterns.
But they weren't the only ones making highlights. Receivers Tonjua Jones, Kim Thompson, Eric Peterman, Andrew Brewer and especially Ross Lane had an extra hop in their step, running sharp routes and making one spectacular catch after the next.
But today NUsports.com will focus on one of the defensive leaders: senior linebacker Adam Kadela who led the team with 80 tackles in 2006.
NUsports.com: How is camp going for you so far?
Kadela: It's going really good. This is my fifth year and I don't really dread it at all. This is a great atmosphere and it's great to be with your teammates and get to know all the new guys. We can just worry about football with no distractions. We get our food, go to meetings and go to practice. It's a good deal.
NUsports.com: Is this the best all-around defense you've been a part of since you've been here?
Kadela: Absolutely. All-around it's definitely the deepest defense I've been a part of. We have a lot of experience. It's amazing when I look around and realize how much we can do now. We don't have to worry about learning so much and now we just go out, react and play.
NUsports.com: Is being a leader on this defense something you embrace?
Kadela: Definitely. Senior leadership is very important to a team. Some of these guys have been around for five years and we've seen a lot in our time here and know what to expect. Nothing is new to us and it's very important that we convey what's going on to the younger guys.
NUsports.com: What kind of advice are you giving to some of the newcomers at your position?
Kadela: Well for the freshman linebackers, right now their heads are swimming. There are so many concepts and they're just figuring out how and where to line up. There is a lot thrown at you in the beginning. We tell them that if you're gonna make mistakes -- and they will -- at least make them playing fast and physical. That's what the coaches want to see and that's the most important thing. They'll get the rest figured out during films and meetings and as the season goes on.
NUsports.com: Have you set any individual goals for yourself this season or are you focused mainly on team goals?
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"I want to look myself in the mirror when my college football career is over and know that I gave everything I had on the field."
Adam Kadela
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Kadela: Individually, I want to have no regrets this season. I want to look myself in the mirror when my college football career is over and know that I gave everything I had on the field ... that I did everything I could for this team.
NUsports.com: Tell us a little bit about your internship this summer with the Attorney General's office.
Kadela: I mostly just did little things in the office here and there. I got to go on a search warrant and basically try to find some bad things about bad people who do some sick stuff. I really enjoyed it.
NUsports.com: And finally, what is your favorite part of Camp Kenosha?
Kadela: Swimming in the pool. The cannonball contests are always fun.
NUsports.com: Do you ever win?
Kadela: No. The linemen usually win those.
