Aug. 16, 2007

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KENOSHA, Wis. -- Another day and another practice in the books. Day six saw the Wildcats get after it in full pads for their only practice on Thursday. Friday will be the Wildcats' final two-a-day before Saturday's 3 p.m. scrimmage at Carthage College, located right down the road from UW-Parkside.

Today's spotlight is defensive coordinator Greg Colby who hopes to have his best defense in years with eight starters returning.

NUsports.com: Is this the deepest and most talented unit you've had in your time here?
Coach Colby: By far. We have more depth than ever. I really like the progress we've made up to this point in time. Luckily we've been pretty healthy for the most part. A few dings here and there but for the most part our guys are out there practicing hard and I really like where we are right now.

NUsports.com: Does this defense have a chip on its shoulder?
Coach Colby: Oh definitely. They have a mission in mind. They know where they want to go and know what it's going to take to get there. You can see it in the way they practice and the purpose they have in meetings. They're really focused and that is good to see.

NUsports.com: You have a ton of depth, especially on the defensive line. Talk about that group a little bit.
Coach Colby: Yes. That might be our strongest area top to bottom. We have a lot of experience coming back. Corey Wootton, John Gill, Adam Hahn, Mark Koehn, David Ngene, Kevin Mims, right up and down the line. Keegan Kennedy and Corbin Bryant are also having good camps. Marshall Thomas is progressing fast and we like our young guys too. I think they are going to be really exciting guys to watch in the years to come.

NUsports.com: Talk about your linebackers and kind of "quiet" leader Adam Kadela is for that group.
Coach Colby: He is a quiet leader. The kids all watch him and he's always doing the right thing at the right time. The kids learn from him and he does a great job mentoring them. It's vital to have that kind of experience and leadership in that group.

NUsports.com: Now your defensive backs, who seem to be all over the wide receivers so far during camp.
Coach Colby: They are playing fast and they are playing aggressive. Deante Battle, this is the best that I have seen him play consistently. Sherrick (McManis) has all the natural tools so when he develops he will be phenomenal. Brendan (Smith) is having a good camp and so is Brad Phillips. Reggie McPherson is probably having his best camp as well.

NUsports.com: Any player that has caught your eye ... someone that NU fans should expect big things from this year?
Coach Colby: All of them I hope. A lot of these guys have the potential to have very strong seasons. Everyone knows about Corey and expects him to have a good season and needs to have one. John Gill I think is going to have a breakout season. Based on what I have seen this spring I think he is going to fill a lot of that potential he has. David Ngene I also believe is going to show up on the radar screen. He's battled some injuries in the past, but he's healthy now, playing fast, playing hard and he's one of our leaders too. I would look for David to show some things out there that people haven't seen.

MULTIMEDIA: NUsports.com had the chance to film an inside look into the Wildcats' practices at Camp Kenosha. NUsports.com was on the practice field, in the training room and inside a Wildcat position meeting. Click Here to watch the video.

Saturday's scrimmage at Carthage is free! Arrive early to receive Wildcat goodies and enter to win tickets to Wildcat home games. Fans can stick around after the game to meet the team and talk with head coach Pat Fitzgerald. For more information e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.

Saturday's extended forecast calls for some fall-like weather -- temps in the mid-60s with cloudy conditions and a chance of showers. Bring your umbrella and sweatshirts! Fans can also purchase the 2007 NU football media guide online or at Saturday's scrimmage. Guides are being sold for $10 at the scrimmage or Meet the Team Night (Aug. 25). If you purchase a guide online, or through NU's ticket office, a $5 shipping fee is added.