Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Practice: Day Five
4/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2009
Williams chats with NUsports.com
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Following an off day on Sunday, Northwestern returned to Trienens Hall for spring practice No. 5 Monday morning. In just eight days, the Wildcats have completed a third of their 15 NCAA-allowed practice sessions.
Northwestern finished its 19-period practice on a strong note with both its offense and defense coming up with some solid play during the team periods. The 'Cats also spent another six-minute period conducting their "board drill."
While several returning starters and key reserves are sidelined this spring due to injuries, the Wildcats continue to show off their depth at every position group, especially in the trenches. Although NU is without D-line starters Corbin Bryant, Adam Hahn and Corey Wootton, players like Kevin Watt, Niko Mafuli, Quentin Williams, Jack DiNardo, Marshall Thomas and Brian Arnfelt are responding and gaining valuable repetitions up front.
At linebacker, only one player (Bryce McNaul) is sidelined due to injury, leaving fewer spring questions as starters Nate Williams and Quentin Davie return. NUsports.com caught up with Williams after practice to get his thoughts on his unit, his brother Quentin and the 'Cats' 2009 defense.
"We've got a lot of guys who can play (linebacker), some guys with some experience and some others who are still getting their feet wet a little bit," said Williams. "For the most part, we're trying to learn and get ready for next year."
The complete interview with Williams is available by clicking on the All-Access page on NUsports.com.
SPRING NOTES:
Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo visited practice on Monday. The BTN will be covering spring football throughout the next few weeks, beginning with a studio show on April 11. The Big Ten Network will air a 90-minute wrapup show on the Big Ten spring season at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 30 ... A reminder to Wildcat fans that you have nine more days to cast your vote for the new Illinois-Northwestern rivalry trophy. Fans can click here to vote on NU's new rivalry trophy with Illinois ... 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.
