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Fresh off a bye week, Northwestern has released its depth chart for what could be its biggest game of the season. Last time the Wildcats visited Camp Randall Stadium, they escaped with a victory. A win on Saturday would put Northwestern in terrific position to contend for the Big Ten West crown.
The only change from the depth chart against Bowling Green is at wide receiver. Jalen Brown’s injury suffered late in the first half will apparently sideline the Oregon graduate transfer. He is replaced by true freshman Jace James, the sixth first-year to crack the two-deep. There have been no updates on the status of Brown or linebacker Jango Glackin, who exited the Bowling Green game with an injury as well.
Week 5 Depth Chart
| Position | First Team | Second Team |
|---|---|---|
| Position | First Team | Second Team |
| Quarterback | Clayton Thorson | Matt Alviti |
| Running Back | Justin Jackson | John Moten IV |
| X-Receiver | Flynn Nagel | Jelani Roberts |
| Y-Receiver | Macan Wilson | Jace James |
| Z-Receiver | Ben Skowronek | Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman |
| Superback | Garrett Dickerson | Cameron Green |
| Left Tackle | Jared Thomas | Blake Hance |
| Left Guard | Blake Hance | J.B. Butler |
| Center | Brad North | Nik Urban |
| Right Guard | Tommy Doles | J.B. Butler |
| Right Tackle | Rashawn Slater | Gunnar Vogel |
| First Team | Second Team | |
| Defensive End | Joe Gaziano | Trent Goens |
| Defensive Tackle | Tyler Lancaster | Alex Miller |
| Defensive Tackle | Jordan Thompson | Ben Oxley |
| Defensive End | Samdup Miller | Fred Wyatt |
| SAM Linebacker | Nate Hall | Warren Long |
| MIKE Linebacker | Paddy Fisher | Nathan Fox |
| WILL Linebacker | Brett Walsh | Blake Gallagher |
| Cornerback | Trae Williams | Marcus McShepard |
| Safety | Godwin Igwebuike | JR Pace |
| Safety | Kyle Queiro | Jared McGee |
| Cornerback | Montre Hartage | Moe Almasri |
| First Team | Second Team | |
| Placekicker | Charlie Kuhbander | Makay Redd |
| Punter | Hunter Niswander | Daniel Kubiuk |
| Kick Returner | John Moten IV | Jelani Roberts |
| Punt Returner | Flynn Nagel | Riley Lees |
| Long Snapper | Tyler Gillikin | Trevor Stroebel |
| Holder | Hunter Niswander | Daniel Kubiuk |
| Kickoff Specialist | Luke Otto | Drew Luckenbaugh |
Since Northwestern last released a depth chart, we’ve learned that cornerbacks Roderick Campbell and Brian Bullock will miss the remainder of the 2017 season. Although not included on the two-deep, redshirt sophomore Alonzo Mayo returned in the second half of the Bowling Green game, providing much needed depth to a position group that will miss three meaningful players for the entire season.
We’ll have a film study on Wisconsin’s run game, analysis of Alex Hornibrook’s maturation as a quarterback and all the coverage of the big game that you could possibly want this week. Stay tuned.
Have a great Monday, everyone.