April 12, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Today, NUsports.com focuses on the competition at running back. Sophomore Brandon Roberson (Pearland, Texas/Pearland) talked about the prestige that comes with the running back position, and how spring practice has progressed.
NUsports.com: Talk a little bit about the prestige and tradition of being a running back at Northwestern.
Roberson: We have had such a line of great running backs -- Noah (Herron), Terrell (Jordan), (Jason) Wright and (Damian) Anderson -- that it is awesome to have the opportunity to be the next great running back. I am trying to be that guy, or as the coaches say, "be the guy to dot the 'I'."
NUsports.com: Describe your running style. What do you like about this offense and how does your style fit in?
Roberson: We play a lot of zone, and I like to just stick it, and go downhill and use my speed to get where I need to be.
NUsports.com: A lot of people are worried about the running back position, losing two 1,000-yard rushers over the past three years. Talk a little bit about that.
Roberson: There is nothing to be worried about. We have good competition in the backfield right now, so we will be alright.
NUsports.com: How do you feel the spring practices have been progressing and what are you looking to improve on?
Roberson: Personally, just learning the offense better and grasping the concept. Team-wise, we are working a lot on our mental focus.
NUsports.com: Trevor Rees is also from Pearland High School in Texas. What is it like playing with a former teammate?
Roberson: We played together for two years, so we have good chemistry. We always encourage each other in the huddle, so it has been good to have him here also.
PRACTICE NOTES: The Wildcats' next practice is 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Friday's practice is the first of three practices that are closed to the media.