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Chat Reel: Damien Anderson
'[Wheeler] never played for second ... and neither will we'
Posted: Monday August 13, 2001 3:31 PM
Updated: Monday August 13, 2001 4:36 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college football chat with Damien Anderson. Welcome Damien and thanks for joining us.
Damien Anderson: Thanks, not a problem.
From David in Austin, Texas: D.A., I know that you guys had a lot of success using four wideouts last year. Any chance that your tight end is going to make an impact this season?
Damien Anderson: Well as far as the tight end, we want to use all aspects of our game. Our tight end had a lot of success this spring. We want to show the nation we are not just a one-dimensional team, that we can use multiple sets and be successful.
From David Parkinson in Evanston, Ill.: What is Northwestern's ultimate goal this season? To reach a bowl? Big Ten champions? National champions? Also, what effect, if any, do you think the death of Rashidi Wheeler will have on the team this year?
Damien Anderson: We will take things step by step. We will take on UNLV first, and then we will take it one game at a time. As far Rashidi's passing, it is a motivating tool. I think every game, every practice he will be in our hearts. He would want us to play hard. He never played for second place and neither will we. He always wanted to be the best he could be and we will take on that attitude.
From Catman-do: It seems like there's a tremendous amount of pressure on college players to find that extra edge, even if it means taking supplements. Can you describe what that's like?
Damien Anderson: I think as far as the pressure, you bring that upon yourself. For me, I just go out and play hard. So if it takes an extra hour in the weight room, that is what I will do. I will work as hard as I can. As long as you try to have fun, I think that eliminates a lot of the pressure. By definition, football is a game. Of course I work hard, I watch film, but I have fun with it. I love the game. I think that was a big part of our success last year. I think when teams weren't having fun more questions are raised and they seek alternative means to succeed and that can be where supplements might become an issue.
From PurduePete: Since the Big Ten has evolved from a "run-it-up-the-gut" conference to a wacky pass-oriented conference, would you rather be playing for this year's Wildcat squad or the Rose Bowl team of '95?
Damien Anderson: I'd rather play for this team because I have developed a relationship with my teammates. We have been 3-8 and 8-3, and it has been a tremendous learning experience. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
From WolfPacker: Do you feel a lot of pressure now since you are the front runner for the Heisman?
Damien Anderson: Definitely not. I consider that a positive for myself and my teammates. As long as I work hard and have fun, everything will take care of itself.
From Tony: Last year, the team seemed to run out of emotional gas, especially after the Michigan game. Do you think the team has learned to live with success? Can NU maintain the concentration necessary to be solid performer week in and week out?
Damien Anderson: Definitely. I think the Nebraska loss in the bowl game showed us we were not where we wanted to be. I think that loss made us focus to become a Nebraska-caliber team this year.
From SGB in Chicago, Ill.: DA -- what are you thinking about your TD moves for this year? Obviously, the team is first, and you need to score and act like you expect it, but I'm thinking the new TD dance "The Wildcat" should make its initial appearance in the bowl game this year. What do you think?
Damien Anderson: I'm not gonna change. I patented my style after guys like Barry Sanders and Peyton Manning. I learned to act like you have been there before. So that is my stand on the touchdown dance.
From cellcop: What game this year do you see as the biggest challenge?
Damien Anderson: Definitely, the first game will be a big game for us. It is the second game for UNLV and we will have to be prepared in all aspects. We treat every game as an important game now. That is what cost us the Rose Bowl appearance last year. We didn't prepare like we should have for the Iowa game and it cost us.
From Tony: Has the team made any special preparations for UNLV's Jason Thomas and the heat in Las Vegas?
Damien Anderson: As far as defensively, I'm not sure because I'm an offensive player. As far as the heat goes, we have practiced a lot with our helmets on. We know it will be hot in Las Vegas. So we have taken some precautions to prepare for that type of heat.
From Medillsteve: Based on your experience from last year, if the offense is on the field longer this year, will you be able to handle the no-huddle for many more minutes than you did last year?
Damien Anderson: Definitely. That is our whole game plan, that we are in better condition than our opponents. As far as the no-huddle goes, if we are on the field longer that gives us more opportunity to score.
From Ellis: Name the toughest crowd in the Big Ten.
Damien Anderson: The toughest is Iowa. But the loudest is Wisconsin, though their fans are most appreciative of good play. Iowa fans give the most verbal abuse.
From DarthCat: Is the press' condemnation of [head] coach [Randy] Walker's conditioning program supported by any of the members of the team?
Damien Anderson: As far as the condemnation of the conditioning program, that contributes to our success. I don't think anyone has said anything negative about it. I mean someone may disagree with it but you can't let an individual run your program. You can't make everyone happy just as in society. I think coach Walker and the staff run the best program that has helped gain success.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Damien Anderson -- thanks for joining us and good luck this season.
Damien Anderson: Thanks for having me, it was good to be here. I want to send my condolences to the Wheeler family. And thanks to everyone for joining the chat.
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