Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Practice: Day Seven
4/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 9, 2009
Coach Hankwitz Addresses the Media
Coach Fitzgerald Addresses the Media
Coach Bates Interview with NUsports.com
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern wrapped up its first half of the 2009 spring season on Thursday with a 20-period practice outside on NU's FieldTurf Practice Field. The Wildcats could not have asked for a better weather day as sunny skies, temperatures in the low 50s and light winds greeted them for their 8:15 a.m. practice.
Northwestern now readies itself for its first spring scrimmage on Saturday. The Wildcats are scheduled to practice on Ryan Field and will run a predetermined number of plays. A reminder that the scrimmage is closed to the general public. High school coaches and players, friends of the program, parents, former letterwinners, etc., can attend but need to acquire a practice credential in advance from NU's football office (contact Carolyn Fleming at c-fleming@northwestern.edu).
After Thursday's practice, NUsports.com chatted with linebackers coach Randy Bates to get an assessment on his unit and their progress this spring. NU is returning outside linebacker Quentin Davie (St. Louis, Mo./Cardinal Ritter) along with middle linebacker Nate Williams (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic), who started the last six games in place of the injured Malcolm Arrington.
Bates said: "As a unit, we're thinking a lot right now, which is typical of this time of the year. Our offense is very difficult to face because we do a lot of multiple things. We're making progress and looking forward to Saturday. We will learn a great deal about ourselves in these last few weeks."
Bates also discussed his personnel and who's stepping up and making a name for themselves this spring. One of the names he mentioned is middle linebacker Chris Jeske (Yorkville, Ill./Joliet Catholic), who has been slowed much of his career with injuries.
The complete interview with Coach Bates is available by clicking the link above.
SPRING NOTES
A couple members of the national media were on hand today to watch the Wildcats and interview various players and coaches: Dave Curtis of the Sporting News and Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com ... Senior cornerback Sherrick McManis (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods) continued his strong play this spring by making several more impressive plays in the secondary. The honorable mention All-Big Ten corner is one of four returning starters in NU's deep defensive backfield ... A reminder to Wildcat fans that you have six more days 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.
