Northwestern Week 9 press conference notes, Michigan State week

Pat Fitzgerald on the players spoke before prepping for Michigan State.

By Tristan Jung Oct 23, 2017, 2:13pm CDT

Pat Fitzgerald

Players of the Week: Nate Hall, Justin Jackson, Hunter Niswander. Niswander also won Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.
“They’re practicing really hard. I think Tyler Lancaster has really taken on that leadership role and Jordan’s right there with him. We’ve got great confidence in everyone. Samdup Miller is really starting to come on a little bit.” Mentioned Alex Miller, Earnest Brown, Trent Goens.
On Macan Wilson: “For some guys, it happens right away. You got the Miller brothers, instant impact players, but for some guys it takes much longer.”
Fitz on Jeremy Larkin’s impact: “With a healthy Justin Jackson, it's likely going to be just spelling him the last 5 weeks of the season.” Jokingly warned Justin Jackson that Larkin was coming for his carries.
In 1995, Fitz said he wanted a roof in the media guide. Point still stands.
On Jackson’s key third-down conversion in overtime: “I think it was a really good call by Mick (McCall) to start off with...In space I'll take Justin—”
Fitz was happy to have Alonzo Mayo healthy.
Fitz said there was no sibling rivalry between the Miller Brothers, but was thrilled at what they’ve brought to the program.

Alonzo Mayo: “you have to have delusional confidence to play cornerback”
Larkin was happy about scoring on Saturday, said the touchdown really bolstered NU’s cause because of the defensive battle.
Jeremy Larkin: “I didn’t have to pass protect in high school.”
Mayo talked about his parents, both of whom were very athletic themselves (father played at Columbia).