No team in America needed an offseason more than Northwestern. After six months of flux that saw Randy Walker’s sudden death, Pat Fitzgerald’s quick entrance as head coach and a protracted quarterback competition, the Wildcats welcomed a chance to regroup. Stepping back from the 4–8 season, Fitzgerald had no trouble identifying Northwestern’s shortcomings — turnovers, special teams breakdowns, poor third-down defense.

“It just punches you right between the eyes,” Fitzgerald says. “It’s obvious.” What’s slightly less obvious is the potential Northwestern brings for 2007.

After bringing life to a dormant offense, junior C.J. Bacher will be the catalyst for the Wildcats this fall. Bacher, who started the final five games of ’06, has plenty of playmakers at his disposal, including the deepest receiving corps in recent memory. Joining him is running back Tyrell Sutton, who churned out 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season. There are depth concerns on the offensive line, but the Wildcats have enough veterans to return to their point-producing roots after finishing last in the Big Ten in scoring (16.5 ppg).

The Wildcats lose only four starters from a defense that ended the season playing better. Giant defensive end Corey Wootton anchors a veteran line, and the secondary, Northwestern’s weakness during the spread-offense era, is stocked with young talent. The losses of Nick Roach and Demetrius Eaton make linebacker a chief concern for Fitzgerald. Special teams continued to prove costly in 2006 and must be upgraded.

A whirlwind year behind them, the Wildcats have had time to recharge. With 14 starters back and a favorable schedule, Northwestern could return to the Big Ten’s midsection and re-enter the bowl picture.

Quarterbacks
Northwestern’s void under center hamstrung its high-powered spread offense until Bacher stepped in and provided stability. After seeing mixed results from Mike Kafka and Andrew Brewer, the Wildcats immediately clicked behind Bacher, who had been slowed by a leg stress fracture in training camp. The junior isn’t as big as record-setting predecessor Brett Basanez, but he has a stronger arm and quicker feet. Bacher’s primary challenge will be limiting turnovers after he threw two interceptions in each of his first four starts. “He throws on time, manages the game well,” Fitzgerald says. “He needs to make better decisions. There were times he tried to make big plays when they weren’t there.” Kafka, a dual-threat quarterback who started the Wildcats’ first four games before sustaining a hamstring injury, will enter camp No. 2 on the depth chart.

Running Backs
There’s a credible argument that Sutton’s 1,000-yard season was a more impressive feat than the 1,474 yards he tallied as a freshman in 2005. He had 61 fewer carries and countless fewer holes but still eclipsed 100 rushing yards in three of his final five games. With Bacher at the helm, Sutton could be primed for a monster year if the offensive line jells. He’s also a key component of Northwestern’s passing attack, catching 84 passes in his first two seasons. Senior Brandon Roberson returns as Sutton’s backup despite getting only three carries last season. Junior Omar Conteh could see increased action, and Fitzgerald is high on incoming freshman Scott Concannon.

Receivers
Fitzgerald lists four wide receiver spots on his depth chart. Despite the loss of leading receiver Shaun Herbert, the Wildcats are loaded with experience and versatility. Five receivers have starting experience and a sixth, Brewer, started three games at quarterback before switching to wideout. Northwestern has a capable possession receiver in Rasheed Ward and big-play threats in Ross Lane, Kim Thompson and Eric Peterman. Thompson has returned to the team after a leave of absence, but the hard-luck receiver broke his leg in the first spring scrimmage. He is expected back for fall camp. Plenty of intrigue surrounds Brewer, whose speed and size could go to waste as a backup quarterback. His first and only reception last season went for 48 yards. “Him moving there full-time,” Fitzgerald says, “is really a chance to maximize his potential as an athlete.” Recent recruiting indicates that Northwestern could enhance the superback spot. Brendan Mitchell and Mark Woodsum will compete to start, but freshmen Josh Rooks and Cameron Joplin could be in the mix.

2007 Schedule
S. 1	Northeastern	W
S. 8	Nevada	W
S. 15	Duke	W
S. 22	at Ohio State	L
S. 29	Michigan	L
O. 6	at Michigan State	*
O. 13	Minnesota	*
O. 20	#Eastern Michigan	W
O. 27	at Purdue	L
N. 3	Iowa	L
N. 10	Indiana	*
N. 17	at Illinois	*
	#Detroit, MI
Games in bold represent swing games. W or L indicates a projected win or loss.

Offensive Linemen
The skill positions are fortified, but Northwestern’s offensive success hinges on a line that struggled with injuries and transition last season. After back-to-back top 10 finishes in fewest sacks allowed, Northwestern tied for 73rd nationally last fall, surrendering 26. Second-year line coach Bret Ingalls saw gradual improvement, particularly with the emergence of left guard Adam Crum, who will solidify Bacher’s blind side with tackle Dylan Thiry this fall. Three-year starter Trevor Rees returns at center, and Fitzgerald remains confident in right guard Joel Belding, who struggled with penalties and the death of his father last season. After losing talented right tackle Ryan Keenan, Fitzgerald is looking for a fifth starter and three top reserves. Kurt Mattes, Desmond Taylor, Ramon Diaz and Tyler Compton will compete at right tackle. 

Defensive Linemen
What was undeniably the team’s weakest position a year ago could quickly become one of its strengths. The Wildcats return all four starters up front as well as several reserves with starting experience. Northwestern is gradually transitioning to the 3-4 defense, but its strength on the line should dictate more base 4-3 sets this fall. When the Wildcats do use the 3-4, Wootton, Kevin Mims and David Ngene all can move inside. “We’ve got a lot of flexibility there,” Fitzgerald says. Wootton added 10 pounds of muscle to boost his frame to 6'7", 285 pounds. His size and wingspan limit quarterbacks’ vision, and his improved speed should boost his sack total. Returning starter Mims and seniors Mark Koehn and Ngene solidify the other end spot. Corbin Bryant provides depth after returning from a broken leg. Two-year starter John Gill returns at defensive tackle alongside sophomore Adam Hahn.

Linebackers
Graduation losses have softened the defense’s midsection. The Wildcats lose starters Nick Roach and Demetrius Eaton and boast few proven contributors outside of Adam Kadela and Eddie Simpson. Weak-side linebacker could be the team’s most intense position battle, as junior Mike Dinard will compete with several younger players, including redshirt freshmen Quentin Davie and Nate Williams. There’s also hope for sophomore Chris Jeske, the top recruit in 2005 who has yet to see the field because of back injuries. Jeske was cleared to practice this spring. Hopes are also high for incoming freshman Bryce McNaul, who will don the same number (51) that Fitzgerald did at Northwestern. 

Defensive Backs
After dragging down the defense for years, the secondary might finally have the personnel for a breakthrough. With only one significant loss (cornerback Marquice Cole), Northwestern has depth and experience at all four positions. Sherrick McManis and Brendan Smith form one of the Big Ten’s top playmaking tandems. McManis, by far the Wildcats’ top special-teams performer last year, replaced Cole at cornerback and had five pass breakups and an interception in three starts. Smith led the team with three interceptions and finished second in tackles (68). Cornerback Deante Battle and strong safety Reggie McPherson have 69 career appearances combined. Behind them is a core of talented young players, including safety Brad Phillips and redshirt freshman Justan Vaughn.

Specialists
Northwestern hopes Stefan Demos will be the answer to its chronic special teams woes. Demos, a scholarship kicker who redshirted in 2006, will handle field goals, kickoffs and possibly punting. Amado Villarreal can fill in at all spots. Smith will return punts and McManis will serve as the primary kick returner, but several others, including Brewer, Roberson and Mabin, figure to compete for return opportunities.

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