Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Primed to take over show
Not used to being a backup, Prime wants star role
Article by:
Sean Connor - Sports Reporter
• sconnor@northernstar.info
Big Ten linebacker or mid-major running back?
Freshman Casamiro “Cas” Prime turned away Wisconsin recruiters
for NIU because he was a running back, and a running back he wanted
to stay.
“Wisconsin wanted me to play outside linebacker,” Prime said.
“It was my decision, and I didn’t want to change positions.”
The Janesville, Wis., native is the tallest returning back for the
Huskies, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s ready,
NIU running backs coach DeAndre Smith said.
However, this will be the first spring that Smith has a chance to work
with the 2003 Wisconsin Player of the Year.
“He’s a big back and that’s what we like,” Smith
said. “He just needs more reps.”
As for his ability to catch the ball, the Huskies will be able to add
dimensions to their passing game if Prime is in the backfield, Smith
said.
The knock on [Michael] Turner heading into the NFL Draft is that he
can’t catch the ball well, while Prime may have the opportunity
to split out wide in NIU’s offense, Smith said.
With the competition to replace Turner heating up, Prime said he’s
not ready to step down.
“I’ve never played behind anybody,” Prime said. “I
don’t see any reason to start now.”
Coach Joe Novak comments: Big, strong, still learning. Being a freshman,
he’s behind the others in the learning process. There’s a
lot of upside there.
Year (2004): redshirt freshman
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 215 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.69 seconds
Bench press: 245 pounds
Squats: 400 pounds
Power clean: 235 pounds
Career NIU rushing yards: 0
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