Northwestern University Athletics
NU Spring Practice: Day Two
3/31/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 31, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern returned to Trienens Hall early Tuesday morning for the second day of its spring practice schedule, conducting a series of position-specific and team drills. Sophomore center Ben Burkett, who started all 13 games last season for the 'Cats, addressed the media following practice about his expectations for spring practice in Evanston.
"Basically we have all five guys from our offensive line back so we're able to sort of pick up where we left off last season," Burkett said. "It's definitely a lot easier when you have a whole season under your belt of playing games. This year I've been able to slow down, relax and take my time so it definitely makes the game easier."
Asked about his evolving leadership role on the team despite being just a sophomore, Burkett said: "I try to set an example that everybody can follow but at the same time everybody has to step up for themselves. I'm just trying to do my part and help the other guys out."
Burkett also discussed dealing with expectations after a nine-win season, getting used to new faces on the field -- particularly at quarterback -- and what kind of identity the offensive unit is looking to develop. For the complete interview, visit NUsports.com's All-Access video page.
SPRING NOTES:
New Chicago Bears' defensive line/asst. head coach Rod Marinelli and defensive assistant Eric Washington, NU's former defensive line coach, attended Tuesday's practice to watch the 'Cats ... Northwestern takes a day off from playing football on Wednesday; the Wildcats will hold spring practice No. 3 on Thursday morning ... Northwestern and Illinois announced today that fans can help choose the new football rivalry trophy, replacing the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, which was retired after the 'Cats win over Illinois last November. When asked about his choice for a new trophy, cornerback Sherrick McManis said: "Honestly, I don't know too much about that at all. I'm sure whatever the choice is, it will be fine." The reporter followed up and asked McManis, "what about the Popcorn Bowl?" He responded: "Except that one. I'm not really feeling the popcorn one." ... Fitzgerald has assistant director of video services Niel Stopczynski playing music during the Wildcats' dynamic warm-up and opening periods. Some of the music the 'Cats warmed up to today included "Bring Em Out" by T.I., "Click Click Boom" by Saliva and "Hero" by Nas.
