Counting down Northwestern’s roster: 69-60

We’ve gone through a litany of predictions for Northwestern’s upcoming football season as over the course of this summer. Now, we’re counting down the roster from 99 down to 0 (thank you, John Raine). We’ll provide stats, background, and an outlook for each player’s role headed into 2020.

Next up is a small collection of (mostly) young offensive linemen who find their home on the ‘Cats roster in the 60’s.

69: Charlie Schmidt

OL | 6-foot-4, 290 lbs. | Sophomore | Libertyville, IL

Likely role in 2020: Starting center

Though Schmidt struggled early on in 2019, he showed definite improvement down the stretch of his redshirt freshman year and ended up appearing in nine games. With the rest of the offensive line composed of upperclassmen, Schmidt will benefit from the experience surrounding him in his first year potentially starting over center. He is tasked with replacing Jared Thomas, who was a key cog in the Northwestern front last year.

Career stats: 9 games played

68: Josh Priebe

OL | 6-foot-4, 280 lbs. | Freshman | Niles, MI

Likely role in 2020: Second-string guard

Priebe, part of the lauded recruiting class entering their first year in the ‘Cats football program, could see game action in 2020 pushing Sam Gerak for playing time at the left guard spot. The three-star recruit notably committed to Northwestern over several other Big Ten schools including Michigan and Ohio State.

Career stats: N/A

66: Nik Urban

OL | 6-foot-3, 305 lbs. | Senior | Willoughby, OH

Likely role in 2020: Starting guard

A returning starter from 2019, Urban looks to continue his run of consistency at right guard after appearing in all 12 games last year. Urban’s play remained solid throughout the year, and his veteran presence will be key along the line, particularly next to new center Schmidt.

Career stats: 21 games played

63: Dom D’Antonio

OL | 6-foot-4, 290 lbs. | Redshirt Freshman | Woodstock, GA

Likely role in 2020: Reserve

With an experienced starting corps and a host of young talent waiting in the wings, it is unlikely D’Antonio will see any meaningful playing time for the ‘Cats this season. However, he will compete for minutes on the competitive O-Line.

Career stats: 1 game played

62: Maxwell Skidmore

OL | 6-foot-7, 245 lbs. | Freshman | Spokane Valley, WA

Likely role in 2020: Redshirt

A walk-on freshman, Skidmore is officially listed as a lineman but also played tight end and long snapper in high school. His height and a 7-foot-1 wingspan make him an intriguing option to develop to take advantage of his physical frame later in his NU career.

Career stats: N/A