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Aug. 22, 2006

NU Media Day News Conference Transcript -- Coach Fitzgerald
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Head coach Pat Fitzgerald spoke to a group of 25 photographers, writers and reporters at Northwestern's annual media day luncheon at Ryan Field. After lunch, Fitzgerald joined the rest of the Wildcat players and coaches on the field for team and individual photographs.

The Wildcats were dressed in their purple home uniforms and took a large group photo before splitting up into offense and defense for unit photos. When the group shots concluded, the Wildcats stayed on the sun-soaked field to talk with reporters and get individual photographs taken. Players and coaches fanned out all over the playing field. Large crowds formed around many of the Wildcats, including Tyrell Sutton (Akron, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban), Shaun Herbert (Oxon Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) and Marquice Cole (Hazel Crest, Ill./Hillcrest). They and many other players stuck around to talk with reporters one-on-one.

The Wildcats begin their season at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 at Miami (Ohio). The 'Cats' home opener is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 versus New Hampshire.

Click player or coach's name to hear audio.

Audio quotes from Pat Fitzgerald:

Coach Fitzgerald's opening statement.

Coach Fitzgerald talks about the offense.

Coach Fitzgerald talks about his coaching style.

Audio quotes from Shaun Herbert, Tyrell Sutton, Trevor Rees (Pearland, Texas/Pearland) and Marquice Cole:

Herbert talks about all the players returning on offense.

Sutton discusses the season opener at Miami (Ohio).

Rees talks about the leadership on the offensive line.

Rees describes the impact Coach Walker had on the players.

Rees talks about how the team came together this summer.

Cole discusses the state of the defense.