Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1177122
34 n o r t h w e s t e r n f o o t b a l l • D I G I T A L P R O G R A M • N O R T H W E S T E R N v s . O h i o S t a t e AND A NEW SHERIFF AS WELL Anderson is himself a former offensive lineman (at Michigan) who had coached the position in both college (Arkansas) and the pros (the Bills) before joining the 'Cats. His predecessor, Adam Cushing, had played tight end at the University of Chicago. "One guy is a University of Chicago grad. Very pragmatic, very systematic, phenomenal and absolutely terrific, and the other guy's a WWE wrestler," Pat Fitzgerald once said when comparing the two. "Both guys are great. They are both terrific teachers and great coaches and great mentors. Kurt just brings a different mindset, a different way because he is a different guys." "Obviously I try to bring an energy and set the tempo for the guys, so we have as much juice as possible as we go into practice," Anderson said when asked about that characterization. "But I was well educated, and we are not going to substitute rah-rah for intellect and for assignment and for technique. That stuff comes with it." "Coach Anderson, he played the position, he coached at the highest level, he has a wealth of experience on the offensive line," Thomas said when asked about the transition. "Obviously I am very indebted to Coach Cush. He's the one who believed in me, gave me a chance. He paved the path for me to be in the position I am in right now. So very grateful to him. But with him going to EIU (as head coach) and Coach Anderson stepping in, it is been a true blessing not only for myself, but the O line in general. The thing that we are all embracing is we are going to learn something new every day." "He has so many techniques we use out on the field," echoes Vogel. "And his energy— when the offensive line's making a big play, he's a big man, but you see him running down the field after us, just yelling, getting on us, telling us good job. His energy is super contagious. Plus, his experience as a player. He has done it at the highest levels, and he sees the small things that a lot of people probably would not see but are a big deal to an offensive lineman. He is just awesome to be around." coach spotlight