by Macray Poidomani
WildcatReport Staff Writer
EVANSTON-The Big Ten Network was at Northwestern’s practice on Tuesday at Hutcheson Field, and so was WildcatReport.
Here are my notes and observations from a sun-splashed morning on the shore of Lake Michigan:
- Matt Harris and Flynn Nagel were returning punts. Matt looks more fluid but I don't think he will end up being the guy, as he has had serious injuries earlier in his career and cornerback depth is thin. Keith Watkins III attended practice and looked to be in good spirits on the sidelines
- Punter Hunter Niswander was really booting it today. He was consistently pinning the returners back and even showcased the ability to control direction. Hopefully they can get some consistency from him this year.
- Defensive line coach Marty Long was really harping to his troops about getting off the ball quickly. He was making them do drills over again, focusing on setting the edge. Trent Goens, Tyler Lancaster and Ifeadi Ogdenibo were consistently working together.
- I was pleasantly surprised at how natural Marcus McShepherd looks at receiver. He was making good cuts and displayed nice hands in the individual drills. Receivers as a whole did better today. They were catching balls in traffic when quarterback Clayton Thorson stretched the field.
- Austin Carr was the receiver making most of the plays in traffic. He has a knack for finding space around the center of the field. Thorson and he look to be developing chemistry.
- Thorson looks miles above where he was last year. He has command of the offense and is challenging the defense. During the first-offense versus first-defense, he moved the ball consistently down the field and put the ball in some tight windows. Backup QB Matt Alviti also had a great practice.
- Freshmen Brian Bullock and Roderick Campbell each got some first and second team reps with the defense. I wouldn't be surprised if one or both play this season.
- Tommy Doles, Connor Mahoney, Brad North and Eric Olson all got reps with the first-team offensive line today, though it is tough to get a good view of the exact combinations at the new field. Doles looks to be filling in at guard for Ian Park, who did not practice.
- Dave Wannstedt and AD Jim Phillips also attended practice today, along with representatives from BTN.
WildcatReport Staff Writer
EVANSTON-The Big Ten Network was at Northwestern’s practice on Tuesday at Hutcheson Field, and so was WildcatReport.
Here are my notes and observations from a sun-splashed morning on the shore of Lake Michigan:
- Matt Harris and Flynn Nagel were returning punts. Matt looks more fluid but I don't think he will end up being the guy, as he has had serious injuries earlier in his career and cornerback depth is thin. Keith Watkins III attended practice and looked to be in good spirits on the sidelines
- Punter Hunter Niswander was really booting it today. He was consistently pinning the returners back and even showcased the ability to control direction. Hopefully they can get some consistency from him this year.
- Defensive line coach Marty Long was really harping to his troops about getting off the ball quickly. He was making them do drills over again, focusing on setting the edge. Trent Goens, Tyler Lancaster and Ifeadi Ogdenibo were consistently working together.
- I was pleasantly surprised at how natural Marcus McShepherd looks at receiver. He was making good cuts and displayed nice hands in the individual drills. Receivers as a whole did better today. They were catching balls in traffic when quarterback Clayton Thorson stretched the field.
- Austin Carr was the receiver making most of the plays in traffic. He has a knack for finding space around the center of the field. Thorson and he look to be developing chemistry.
- Thorson looks miles above where he was last year. He has command of the offense and is challenging the defense. During the first-offense versus first-defense, he moved the ball consistently down the field and put the ball in some tight windows. Backup QB Matt Alviti also had a great practice.
- Freshmen Brian Bullock and Roderick Campbell each got some first and second team reps with the defense. I wouldn't be surprised if one or both play this season.
- Tommy Doles, Connor Mahoney, Brad North and Eric Olson all got reps with the first-team offensive line today, though it is tough to get a good view of the exact combinations at the new field. Doles looks to be filling in at guard for Ian Park, who did not practice.
- Dave Wannstedt and AD Jim Phillips also attended practice today, along with representatives from BTN.
