Aug. 11, 2006
KENOSHA, Wis. -- The Wildcats enjoyed another spirited, early-morning practice on Friday at the UW-Parkside campus in the eighth day of preseason camp. The 'Cats will be back on the field this afternoon at 4:45 in helmets only after going in helmets and shoulder pads this morning.
The Wildcats had a special visitor in attendance at practice this morning -- Bill Curry, a former NFL and collegiate coach and current ESPN College Football analyst. Curry addressed the team following practice and afterwards the team gave their thanks by singing the Northwestern fight song.
After practice, NUSports.com caught up with defensive coordinator Greg Colby to discuss the team's defense and their progress so far in 2006.
NUsports.com: After a week of camp, assess the progress of your defense?
Coach Colby: At this point we have a lot of guys dinged up, so it's really hard to tell how far we've come. But based on where we were the first day and the progress of the guys who have been out there I feel real good about where we are. We've improved in some areas where we've needed to improve. We need to keep working that way. We're not near where we need to be, but I like what I've seen so far.
NUsports.com: You had to play a lot of young players up front last year. How is that group coming along?
Coach Colby: Slowly, but surely. That's a position that you can't line up the first day and be real strong at. It takes time to get the fundamentals and technique down. I think we've got some good kids -- we're a little thin there right now so we have to keep plugging away. But I know they're going to be where we need them to be when we line up Aug. 31.
NUsports.com: How important is it for the defense to have a healthy Nick Roach and Adam Kadela on the field this year?
Coach Colby: It's vital. Especially with our guys up front who are relatively young, we need two senior veterans lined up right behind them to get them lined up right, get them going in the right direction, give them good leadership and make those plays that we need them to make. So it's very important to have those two guys inside.
NUsports.com: What element does Bryan Heinz bring to your secondary?
Coach Colby: He's steady. Bryan, from day one, has been a guy whose known exactly what he's doing. He's always in the right place at the right time. He's not necessarily the best athlete out there, but he's a good leader, a real steady kid and the kids really look up to him.
NUsports.com: Randy Bates joined the coaching staff this year. You two coached together for a couple years at Kent State. What can you tell us about coach Bates?
Coach Colby: Randy is a very good fundamental football coach. He's a high-energy guy, a good idea guy and he's good with the kids too. He relates real well with all our players. If you watch him, he'll talk to anybody. The kids like him, he gets after the guys and I think he's a real good fit for us."
NUsports.com: What is your favorite part about Camp Kenosha?
Coach Colby: (laughing) The food, without a doubt.