April 4, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern held its first spring workout in pads Friday, and the result was a spirited session. While players on both sides of the ball played physically, NU's defense came away with the day's biggest plays--a fumble recovery by safety Frederic Tarver (Palmyra, Va./Fluvanna County) and a long interception return by cornerback Herschel Henderson (Houston, Texas/Clear Lake)
Today, NUSports.com focuses on the wide receiver position, which has proven to be one of NU's deepest in recent years. NU returns five of its top six receivers from a year ago (not including sophomore Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington), who moved from receiver to cornerback at the start of spring practice). Below are question-and-answer sessions with Coach Howard Feggins and senior Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day)
Wide receivers coach Howard Feggins
NUSports.com: How did the offense respond to being in pads for the first time since November?
Howard Feggins: The offense is really just trying to stay on track right now because we still have a lot of work to do. Being in pads gives the defensive guys reason to whoop and holler because they like to play that psychological game. But we're just trying to execute as an offense.
NUSports.com: True freshmen have played a key role in the wide receiving corps during the past couple of seasons. Is it safe to say that the unit we will see in August will be different than the one practicing today?
HF: My guys know that I play freshmen. Come fall, whoever is playing the best will play. Since the start of spring ball, I have been telling my guys that we have five young men coming in (as signees) who are pretty talented. You have to show up now. And they guys who are here right now all want to start.
NUSports.com: Apart from Kunle Patrick, who has been among team leaders in receptions each of the past three seasons, has anyone stood out during the first few workouts?
HF: Kunle will probably be a starter, because of his experience and just because he's Kunle. He performs on every snap, every day. Mark Philmore (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Reynoldsburg) has also been impressive so far. Shaun Herbert (Oxen Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) has opened some eyes. We need to get them in the weight room this offseason. But the competition is great, and it's good to know that I can put another guy in there without losing anything.
NUSports.com: How are you working to improve the deep passing game? And which receivers have emerged as deep threats?
HF: We did not throw the deep ball well (last season). We have worked on it a lot more, incorporating some deep plays off the play action. We know that those explosion plays, to pick up an extra 15 or 20 yards, make a big difference. We think that Ashton Aikens (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Country Day) has the ability to be a deep guy. Mark Philmore and Brandon Horn (Farmington, Mich./Detroit Country Day) have a chance too. We feel that those three guys can really help us stretch the field next season.
Senior Wide Receiver Kunle Patrick
NUSports.com: How did it feel to get into pads for the first time this spring?
Kunle Patrick: The first day of pads was a little rusty. But it was still good. The guys were really ready for it. There was a lot of energy out there.
NUSports.com: Is there more competition at the wide receiver position because so many players are coming back with significant game experience?
KP: At this point, it's a mixture of competition and getting closer as a receiving group. After spring practice, we'll shape ourselves better for the upcoming season.
NUSports.com: How have the three quarterbacks (Brett Basanez, Alexander Webb and Derell Jenkins) looked so far?
KP: Brett and Alexander are definitely there right now. Derell's getting there too. But we're just trying to execute as receivers. We don't mind who the quarterback is as long as they are getting the ball out on time and everyone is working together.
NUSports.com: You've earned a reputation during your career as a great all-around athlete. Should we expect to see you throw the ball every once in a while this year?
KP: At this point, it's not in the package for me to be throwing. But when the moment comes, I'll be ready.
Session Three Notes
Players participated in the "Board Drill" Friday, a tradition for the first day in pads. Offensive lineman Matt Ulrich (Streamwood, Ill./Streamwood) narrowly defeated defensive lineman Colby Clark (Austin, Texas/Westlake) in one of the day's best individual matchups ... Sophomore Vince Clarke (El Cajon, Calif./Granite Hills) and freshman Jim Devine (Jackson, Mich./Lumen Christi) are two of the center candidates after projected starter Carl Matejka decided to forgo his fifth year at NU ... Tight end Ray Bogenrief (Cedarburg, Wis./Marquette), who played defensive line prior to this spring, hauled in a 30-yard pass from Basanez during 7-on-7 drills ... Backes also delivered a big play from his new position, stopping Aikens behind the line of scrimmage on a reverse during 11-on-11 action ... The Wildcats wrap up their first week of spring practice with a 10:30 a.m. session in Trienens Hall on Saturday.