April 10, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill. - - After enduring winter-like weather conditions last week, sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures greeted the Wildcats Tuesday morning as they conducted a 17-period practice on their Field Turf outdoor facility. It was the 'Cats' ninth practice of the spring season.

Northwestern ran several team periods (offense vs. defense), as well as the "Hamburger" drill once again.

One of the veterans who has been impressive with his play this spring is junior John Gill (Los Altos Hills, Calif./Bellarmine College Prep). After practice, Gill spoke with NUSports.com about how the defensive line has performed this spring. He talked about the defense's play in Saturday's scrimmage, the young players he expects to step up throughout the defense and the advantages of having a rotation of several skilled and experienced linemen.

Click Here to watch the interview on NUSports.com All-Access.
To view the entire interview, you must be an All-Access subscriber. All-Access will have interviews with players and coaches throughout spring practice.

The Wildcats are conducting their 11 weekday workouts at 7:25 a.m. this year. Northwestern's three Saturday practices begin at 9:15 a.m. with the Spring Game slated for a noon start on April 21.

PRACTICE NOTES:
• Northwestern's 10th spring practice has been pushed back and will start at approximately 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday. The Wildcats will be in helmets and shorts, and will practice in Trienens Hall.
• Several Wildcat corporate sponsors attended Tuesday's practice, as members of NU's corporate sales staff entertained clients with a "Breakfast with the 'Cats" session.
• Quarterback C.J. Bachér (Sacramento, Calif./Jesuit) returned to practice on Tuesday and shared reps with Mike Kafka (Chicago, Ill./St. Rita) and Joe Mauro (Bedford, Texas/L.C. Bell). Bachér had missed the first two weeks of spring practice while recovering from off-season toe surgery.