08-21-2008, 01:38 AM
http://daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008...714885.txt
Quote:DeKALB - One of the more interesting aspects of a new coaching staff is how it approaches the freshmen class.
In the case of Northern Illinois, the coaches have a group composed of the beginnings of former coach Joe Novak’s last recruiting efforts and a group of their own players.
Coach Jerry Kill’s staff itself has different opinions on whether or not they like playing freshmen.
“Personally, as an offensive line coach, I hate playing freshmen,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “They’re just not ready.”
Outside of the offensive line, it’s a different story.
“We’ll play the best players that give us the opportunity to win,” Kill said. “Not many freshmen are mentally ready for the college game. The grind of camp, they aren’t used to all that stuff. It goes too fast for them. We’ve got a few freshmen that will be ready to play.”
There are a few obvious choices of who will play from the true freshmen group. Running back Me’co Brown will see action and appears to be the top choice as a kick and punt returner based on reps.
“Me’co Brown is ready to play,” Kill said.
Defensive tackle Adam Coleman has earned rave reviews and plays some reps with the No. 1 defense. He will see significant playing time this season.
There are a few more to keep an eye on.
Jason Schepler: Also known as “the young man from Sycamore” as Kill has called him in virtually every interview. The former Spartans has done a solid job in camp.
“(Schepler) is going to be a guy that he’s got to play and he’s going to work hard to be ready to play,” Kill said.
Brian Lawson: Coaches and players rave about Coleman’s intensity, but Lawson, a defensive tackle, has been productive in the trenches.
Jody Van Laanen: The safety out of Green Bay, Wis., made a spectacular play on Wednesday morning to break up a pass and has also taken reps as a kick and punt returner. With safety still an unknown, Van Laanen is in the mix.
Brandon Rogers: He may have to redshirt because of numbers. He’s played well enough to earn the No. 3 spot, but Ryan Morris is the more reliable backup.
Victor Jacques: Jacques was a late signee but has all of the physical tools to play fullback effectively. He hasn’t done a whole lot to stand out to this point.
Logan Pegram: The freshman has been inconsistent, making the right block one play and then following it up with a complete miss.
Kill said after Thursday’s practice that he may decide as late as next Thursday before he has the exact 70 players he wants to take to the season opening game against Minnesota at 6 p.m. on Aug. 30.
Those buses that leave from DeKalb won’t be completely filled with upperclassmen. How many will be on there is still to be determined.
“We’re in a situation where we’re going to have to play some of them,” Kill said. “But I can’t tell you exactly how that will all work out.”