Sean McEvilly granted sixth year of eligibility

Northwestern announced Thursday that veteran defensive tackle Sean McEvilly, who has been ruled out for the season since August, has been granted a 6th-year of eligibility by the NCAA.

After going down with a foot injury midway through the 2013 season, McEvilly figured to be a major catalyst for defensive line improvement in 2014. But a similar injury, presumably sustained during preseason camp, again forced him to the sidelines.

At the time of injury, it was announced that McEvilly planned to apply for a sixth year, and now, his eligibility for next year has been confirmed.

McEvilly's presence next year should give the Wildcats considerable depth on the interior of the defensive line. NU will lose Chance Carter to graduation, but everybody else, including C.J. Robbins, Greg Kuhar and Connor Mahoney (plus Dean Lowry who has been playing some tackle) will be back. It remains to be seen if McEvilly can return to his pre-injury level of play, but nonetheless, this will be a deep unit.