Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Practice: Day 10
4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 14, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After Tuesday's 20-period, full-pad practice, Northwestern has just five more on-field teaching opportunities remaining this spring. One of those five practices includes the Spring Game, which will be the Wildcats' third and final scrimmage of the spring season.
Northwestern practiced indoors for a second straight day as chilly and damp conditions blanketed the North Shore on Tuesday.
After practice, NUsports.com chatted with second-year defensive line coach Marty Long, who helped the Wildcats' front four rank among the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss last year. Long talked about his unit and their progress this spring, the Wildcats' aim for constant improvement and the reinforcements that will add more experience and depth to the defensive line this fall.
"Coach Fitzgerald talks about constantly improving -- he uses the word 'Kaizen,' a Japanese word for constantly improving," said Long. "That's what we're looking at. We have competition in the room and that brings out the best in our guys.
"I told our guys that we'll have seven new players joining us in August -- three returning players (Corbin Bryant, Adam Hahn, Corey Wootton) with a lot of reps, three new 'free agents' (three incoming signees) and likely one walk-on. That will really intensify the competition for us."
The complete interview with Coach Long is available by clicking on the All-Access page on NUsports.com.
SPRING NOTES:
Northwestern running back coach Matt MacPherson and his wife Pam welcomed their third child on Monday night, a baby girl named Samantha Ann. She weighed in at 9 pounds, 7 ounces. Mom and baby are both doing great ... Defensive coaches from the Baylor University football team visited practice today ... A reminder to Wildcat fans that you have until tomorrow (April 15) to cast your vote for the new Illinois-Northwestern rivalry trophy. Fans can click here to vote for their choice for the new trophy ... Also, Wildcat fans can still register for the upcoming "Walk for Randy." It takes place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, just prior to NU's spring game at noon ... Northwestern's baseball team is taking on Notre Dame at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday (April 15) at U.S. Cellular Field. NU coach Pat Fitzgerald will be on hand and toss out a ceremonial first pitch.
