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Northwestern Football's Top 10 Most Important Players for 2017

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 1: Clayton Thorson

Every single staffer listed Clayton Thorson as the most important player on the team.

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 2: Anthony Walker’s replacement at middle linebacker

Nathan Fox? Paddy Fisher? Someone else? We think that player is going to be important.

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 3: Flynn Nagel

Flynn Nagel had a breakout year with the Wildcats in 2016. Can he repeat the feat?

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 4: Justin Jackson

The Ballcarrier is one of the most important players on Northwestern for the third consecutive year.

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 5: Montre Hartage

Northwestern newest “shutdown” corner will have to help anchor the secondary

Northwestern football’s most important players — No. 6: Godwin Igwebuike

Northwestern’s senior safety should play nearly every snap this season.

Northwestern Football’s Most important players — No. 7: Joe Gaziano

Joe Gaziano appeared to be on the brink of a breakout last season.

Northwestern Football’s Most Important Players — No. 8: Blake Hance

Hance posted a solid freshman season in 2015, but took a step backward last year.

Northwestern Football Most Important Players — No. 9: Garrett Dickerson

Our writers debate Dickerson’s importance to Northwestern’s 2017 season

Northwestern Football Most Important Players — No. 10: Tyler Lancaster

Lancaster has played a supporting role in the past, but this year he may have to be the guy.

Inside NU’s Top 10 most important players for 2017: Overall Rankings

No surprises at No. 1, but plenty of variance below.