After recruiting more team speed, Head Coach Randy Walker has talked about how special this team could be. Coincidentally, Walker pointed specifically to the potential of his special teams units following Tuesday's morning session at UW-Parkside.
"Most of all, our speed is evident in our special teams," Walker said. "It has really helped with our coverage guys getting downfield to make plays. To be really honest, there's no substitute for speed. I just hope we can stay healthy, and then we'll be able to do some good things."
In 2001, David Wasielewski (Odessa, Fla./Tampa Jesuit) handled most of the place-kicking duties for the Wildcats. The Florida native connected on all five of his field goal attempts from 40 to 49 yards out.
Wasielewski is getting some solid competition from Brian Huffman (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg). Huffman, a sophomore, took a redshirt last year but has fared well in camp.
"I feel like things are coming together," Huffman said. "We have two snappers (Sean Mansfield and Chris Horton) who are playing well, and that helps us out a lot."
Both Huffman and Wasielewski are likely to see the playing field come opening day.
"(David) Wasielewski has kicked well and will probably be our place-kicker and handle the PATs," Walker said. "(Brian) Huffman has had a great camp, and he'll probably start out as our punter."
The Wildcats have a wide array of possibilities for returning kicks and punts. Seniors Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day) and Jon Schweighardt (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South) will likely get a shot. Among others, newcomers Jonathan Fields (Sweeny, Texas/Sweeny) and Brandon Horn (Farmington, Mich./Detroit Country Day) have a chance.
"People are finding their places and seeing where everybody fits," Wasielewski said. "This year's group has better team speed for coverage. We also have a lot of young guys who want to play, and all of the energy they bring will be good for special teams."
CAMP NOTES: Northwestern's defense showed continued improvement, holding the offense to one touchdown in 11-on-11 play ... Quarterback Tony Stauss (Racine, Wis./Horlick) threw for the offense's only touchdown, a 17-yarder to Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day) ... Wide receiver Jovan Witherspoon (Fort Wayne, Ind./ Bishop Luers) has left the Wildcats' football program to pursue other athletic and academic interests. Witherspoon, who began his collegiate career at Notre Dame before transferring to NU, was in his sophomore season with the Wildcats. Last year, he totaled 12 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. "Obviously, we're disappointed in Jovan's decision," said Walker. "He was making progress in our program, but not to the extent where he was going to be one of our top receivers this season. In light of that, Jovan wants to go another route and find a school where he can make an impact. We wish him the best and certainly hope everything works out for him."
UP NEXT: The Wildcats return to practice at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday at UW-Parkside. They also have an afternoon practice scheduled for 4 p.m.
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