Aug. 17, 2005
KENOSHA, Wis. - It's official. It's been one week since the Northwestern football team began its preseason practice on the campus of UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wis. On a picture-perfect 75-degree day, the Wildcats donned full pads for the first of two Wednesday practices.
NUsports.com caught up with Texas native and sophomore running back Brandon Roberson (Pearland, Texas/Pearland) after practice to find out how things are progressing in the backfield.
NUsports.com: With a week under your belt, how do you feel you are doing in camp?
Roberson: So far, so good. Things have gone pretty smoothly since last year. As a freshman, I came into camp not knowing a whole lot, but now I'm comfortable with everything and more importantly everybody.
NUsports.com: With senior Terrell Jordan out indefinitely, does that add any pressure on you?
Roberson: Yeah, I'd say there's more pressure. But that's what athletes thrive on. I'm going to go out there and play my game and try to help this team win any way I can.
NUsports.com: What have you done in the off-season and in spring practices to get ready for this season?
Roberson: I give a lot of credit to my position coach, Coach (Kevin) Johns. I also studied the playbook. A year ago I wasn't as confident as I needed to be with our offense, but now I've got it down and I'm ready to get on the playing field.
NUsports.com: How would you describe your running style?
Roberson: I'm more of a slasher. Cut in and out of the line, follow my blocks and break it outside.
NUsports.com: NU has a recent rich tradition of running backs, from Darnell Autry to Damien Anderson to Jason Wright and last year's 1,000-yard rusher Noah Herron. Do you compare yourself to any of them?
Roberson: Not really. I just try to be me. All those guys accomplished a lot at running back, I just want to continue that tradition and do the best that I can.
CAMP NOTES
NU practiced at Carthage College Wednesday evening. The Wildcats will scrimmage there on Saturday ... Thursday's practice was pushed back to 10 a.m. ... Freshman Eric Peterman was moved from quarterback to wide receiver. Redshirt freshman Gerard Hamlett is playing wide receiver as well as running back.