Inside NU - 2019 Northwestern football position group reviewsRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2019-12-24T11:03:28-06:00http://www.insidenu.com/rss/stream/207942162019-12-24T11:03:28-06:002019-12-24T11:03:28-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Specialists
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SKVU8wm0Dh6wnyE6IZCnWH-XvFw=/0x0:4605x3070/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65965706/usa_today_13731125.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse.</p> <p id="X147ae"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats over the course of 2019. </em></p>
<p id="s2UmfY"><em>For our final group, we have the specialists.</em></p>
<h2 id="dCLE3m"><strong>Overall Grade: B-</strong></h2>
<p id="CH4LXl">Northwestern’s specialists had their highs and lows in what was overall an inconsistent season across the board. </p>
<p id="xkxCOW">The ‘Cats welcomed many new faces to the unit this year who met expectations for the most part, but fans still did not get the consistency they wanted from this group in 2019. The team took an approach of using different players for different responsibilities rather than having a single punter and kicker, which worked to its advantage at times. However, their successes were not always reliable in crucial moments.</p>
<p id="rhrPl5">The punting unit was consistent but not perfect. While the <span>Daniel Kubiuk</span>/<span>Andrew David</span> two-headed monster started well at the beginning, things dropped of mightily as they failed to match <span>Jake Collins</span>’ 2018 performance of a 40.49-yard average with seven punts over fifty yards and a long of 70. </p>
<p id="818Jzd">Despite improving overall from a difficult 2018 season plagued by injury, <span>Charlie Kuhbander</span> also struggled at times in crucial moments and kept fans uneasy every time he trotted out there for a field goal. </p>
<h2 id="J85hd8"><strong>Player Grades</strong></h2>
<p id="K7gn5d"><strong>Daniel Kubiuk: B</strong></p>
<p id="bPtXLl"><em>Stats: 43 punts, average 38.21 yards, 58 long</em></p>
<p id="S6ETdW">Early in the season, Kubiuk was a surprising bright spot for the ‘Cats. After spending five seasons in Evanston as a reserve quarterback, he took on the role as the starting punter in his sixth season as a graduate student. In the team’s struggles early on, Kubiuk was consistent. He finished the season with 43 punts, averaging 38.21 yards per punt with a long of 58 and four 50+ yard boots.</p>
<p id="swWcSW">He became Northwestern’s de-facto short yardage specialist, dropping five punts inside the 20 on the year, which gives some much-needed context to his otherwise below average 38.21 yards per punt.</p>
<p id="gJZpfT">However, his successes came to an abrupt end after the Ohio State game when he only saw two more punts the rest of the season. After battling two catastrophic injuries and a position switch in his career, Kubiuk finally earned his playing time that was quickly stripped from him. </p>
<p id="lbux2D">Ultimately, even in his successes, he still fell short of Northwestern’s standards from last season but was reliable in his sixth-year season. </p>
<p id="0qmtpq">Kubiuk and his dimes will be missed dearly. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Heisman Watch <br>Kubiuk punts this one to Wilmette <a href="https://t.co/Z54kOOssO4">pic.twitter.com/Z54kOOssO4</a></p>— Lucio Vainesman (@luchvain) <a href="https://twitter.com/luchvain/status/1172951317997850625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="RcD1K3"><span><strong>Andrew David</strong></span><strong>: C+</strong></p>
<p id="R5FYrs"><em>Stats: 29 punts, average 36.35 yards, 66 long, AND AN AWESOME FAKE PUNT AGAINST PURDUE</em></p>
<p id="RXoTWJ">Once Kubiuk’s playing time came to an abrupt end, <span>David</span> stepped up as the new primary punter for Northwestern. The graduate student started to heat up, almost matching Kubiuk’s numbers from earlier in the year. He let 29 punts fly, averaging 36.35 yards a kick with a long of 66 and two punts for over 50 yards.</p>
<p id="BALf08">By the time David took over, punting and special teams were rarely the focus of Northwestern’s concerns as special teams continued to produce average play amongst a below-average team. Still, NU didn’t get what they wanted from the grad student in his final year of eligibility. Outside from a dope fake punt for 17 yards against Purdue, it was a season to forget. </p>
<p id="aXTyUR"><strong>Charlie Kuhbander: B-</strong></p>
<p id="z4Wa0N"><em>Stats: 10-for-14 FG, 17-for-18 XP, 44 long</em></p>
<p id="O3EApi">Despite some flashes from promise, Kuhbander was inconsistent yet again this season. </p>
<p id="6bLE3L">He improved his field goal percentage by 20 percent, making 10-of-14 field goals and 17-of-18 extra points. He was 100 percent from 20-to-29 and 40-to-49 yards, but struggled from mid-range, only hitting 60 percent from 30-to-39 yards.</p>
<p id="kZGlPv">While he appeared to improve his confidence in general, a few catastrophic misses resulted in some difficult moments for the kicker. His four misses were crucial ones. A missed 38-yarder in Palo Alto would’ve made things a one-score game in the third quarter, and an inexplicable shanked 32-yarder against Purdue would’ve all but sealed an NU victory late in the game. </p>
<p id="QV1AR7">Inconsistency defined his year and as it has for most of Kuhbander’s time in Evanston. The former highly-touted high school prospect will have one final shot to redeem himself in his senior season.</p>
<p id="PsOiAV"><strong> </strong><span><strong>Trey Finison</strong></span><strong>: A-</strong></p>
<p id="1Uw8Ey"><em>Stats: 33 kickoffs, average 58.7 yards, one successful onside kick</em></p>
<p id="UY5MwF">Finison was an overall great addition to the special teams unit this year. The true first-year was one of the few who did not redshirt this season, as he appeared in all 12 games. </p>
<p id="yIAeYe">He was responsible for kickoffs, attempting 33 for an average 58.7 yards per kick with nine touchbacks and an onside kick.</p>
<p id="0jhAk6">It was refreshing to see a new face in the lineup this season, and his talent certainly showed. As he matures and gains more experience, we will see Finison step into a much larger role on this team.</p>
<p id="okshoZ"><span><strong>Drew Luckenbaugh</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="cDbpIr"><em>Stats: 8 kickoffs, average 44.3 yards, one (accidental) successful onside kick</em></p>
<p id="VU87Lx">In his final season on the team, Luckenbaugh was used sparingly, as he has been all career. After a relatively action-packed season with a Kuhbander injury last year, including three-made field goals and a game winner against Nebraska, the walk-on only charted eight kickoffs for an average 44.3 yards and an accidental onside kick this year.</p>
<p id="Glgr13">He lost his responsibility for kickoffs to Finison as Northwestern cycles him out and Finison into the program. Ultimately, we will forever be grateful to Luckenbaugh for that magical moment last fall against Nebraska when he was carried off the field in glory.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/24/21034680/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-specialists-charlie-kuhbander-trey-finison-andrew-davidLia Assimakopoulos2019-12-24T02:57:31-06:002019-12-24T02:57:31-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Safeties
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Indiana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SIAjSKkvcAoir_mhwQb0WHre1TA=/1x0:3255x2169/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65964281/usa_today_13612197.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The back end of NU’s defense started strong, but faded a bit down the stretch with a few disappointing showings.</p> <p id="oTooji"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats this year. Next up are the safeties.</em></p>
<h1 id="1Y4jao"><strong>Overall Grade: B</strong></h1>
<p id="KviO0P">Northwestern’s secondary struggled overall this year, and the safeties’ up-and-down performance despite big expectations certainly didn’t help. While the ‘Cats returned <span>JR Pace</span> in the starting lineup and officially promoted <span>Travis Whillock</span> to a starter as well, the two had their share of rough moments across their junior seasons intermixed with some impressive play, and had limited depth behind them to support them through said struggles.</p>
<p id="VSUHqo">On numerous occasions, the safeties were burned downfield as opposing quarterbacks easily picked apart Northwestern’s secondary. The first issues arose early in the season against Michigan State when the secondary allowed 228 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions to the Spartans. </p>
<p id="TwkrZM">Against Ohio State, the Wildcats surrendered 201 passing yards to <span>Justin Fields</span> and <span>Chris Chugunov</span> and five total receiving touchdowns. A few weeks later against Minnesota, <span>Tyler Johnson</span> and <span>Rashod Bateman</span> destroyed the safeties, putting up a combined 203 receiving yards for four touchdowns. </p>
<p id="4GfBBh">While the secondary struggled in the pass game, Pace and Whillock especially, have shown their impressive talent and ability in their time in Evanston, and that continued to crop up across a disappointing 2019. The two made their fair share of plays in the run game and contributed successfully to the pass defense at times as well. </p>
<p id="VdCNZT">Each will be expected to improve as returning starters in their senior season, and despite this year’s difficulties, that could make this position group a strong point moving forward.</p>
<h1 id="INjqNW"><strong>Player Grades:</strong></h1>
<p id="jHcUo7"><strong>JR Pace: B-</strong></p>
<p id="2aBRIQ"><em>Stats: 42 tackles, one interception, three pass breakups</em></p>
<p id="n7XZu1">Pace was the only returning starter in the group this year, and expectations were high for the junior as he filled the shoes of the recently departed Jared McGee. Pace ultimately and unfortunately took a big step backwards in terms of career stat production. He recorded only half the tackles he had in 2018, had three fewer interceptions and broke up seven fewer passes than in his strong sophomore campaign.</p>
<p id="Q6Td8O">While he made some nice plays that the numbers don’t fully encapsulate, Pace too often just didn’t look like his ball-hawking self. The junior is a sure tackler, unlike others around him, and still showed some ability in coverage during 2019. But largely, Pace was a bit too tentative, and though he didn’t receive nearly enough help from the players in front of him, he needed to do better on the back end down the stretch of the season.</p>
<p id="xm3i61"><strong>Travis Whillock: B+</strong></p>
<p id="K96yx2"><em>Stats: 78 tackles, one sack, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries</em></p>
<p id="mMArht">Whillock stepped into a starting role this season and performed admirably amongst a group that struggled overall. He led the secondary stat-wise and was a reliable in creating both big plays and necessary stops at key moments during the season. Altogether, Whillock showed solid improvement from his sophomore performance, which is all we can hope for from this secondary.</p>
<p id="HDIMHZ">However, the Katy native still struggled at times in his first year as a full-time starter. Against tougher competition, like the Minnesota receivers — some of the best in the conference — Whillock found himself beaten often. Ultimately, he will continue to improve over time as he faces off with the best of the best, but as Whillock himself could tell you, a bit more game-to-game consistency could go a long way.</p>
<p id="MdKEWy"><span><strong>Bryce Jackson</strong></span><strong>: B</strong></p>
<p id="aGFgEj"><em>Stats: 20 tackles, one pass breakup, one fumble recovery</em></p>
<p id="tBKF9e"><span>Jackson</span> fulfilled his role on the team as a backup safety to relieve Pace and Whillock when needed. He appeared in all 12 games this season and about matched his stats from 2018. While he was not relied on or used heavily, he did his job as a utility player and started to step up more later in the year, looking like a promising piece who could potentially step into an increased role in nickel/dime packages for 2020. </p>
<p id="wOQQ7X"><span><strong>Joe Bergin</strong></span><strong>: B</strong></p>
<p id="lq5Sv3"><em>Stats: 13 tackles</em></p>
<p id="MXpx8r">The No. 1 jersey wearer this season was also used sparingly as a backup to relieve the starters. In his senior season, Bergin kept in line with his limited performance all career long, charting few stats on the field (specifically on special teams where, aside from one or two notable blunders, he excelled) but making a bigger impact as a leader off of it. </p>
<p id="kBd3DT"><span><strong>Coco Azema</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="myEop9"><em>Stats: four games played, four tackles, one forced fumble</em></p>
<p id="Z1kvqf">Azema was a great addition to the squad overall in his first season in Evanston. By only appearing in four games, he maintained redshirt eligibility and will see four more years as a Wildcat. However, in his limited play, he had some explosive moments, including a forced fumble against Minnesota. </p>
<p id="ejtbQQ">He finished his season with an impressive performance at running back against Illinois, so we will have to wait until next season to see which position group he will primarily join. Either way, he has a bright future ahead.</p>
<p id="X6lHeM"><span><strong>Brandon Joseph</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="kkj0bW"><em>Stats: four games played, four tackles</em></p>
<p id="hVsk7M">The first year had a quiet season, as he also maintained redshirt status in just four games of action. He managed to record a few tackles in his limited play, and <span>Joseph</span> will start to see more action soon as the safety unit graduates Pace and Whillock after next season. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/24/21035676/northwestern-football-position-reviews-safeties-jr-pace-travis-whillock-bryce-jackson-jared-mcgeeLia Assimakopoulos2019-12-23T12:32:10-06:002019-12-23T12:32:10-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Cornerbacks
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Michigan State at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qIYl-LnRddhvjv5OAQUlJXYng-U=/0x90:2064x1466/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65961391/usa_today_13390905.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Montre Hartage’s departure and Greg Newsome II’s injury left holes that the ‘Cats struggled to fill.</p> <p id="oTooji"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats this year. </em></p>
<p id="K2VLGD"><em>The cornerbacks were certainly impressive at times this season, but too often, pass coverage was lacking, especially after </em><span><em>Greg Newsome II</em></span><em>’s season-ending injury. Undeniably, Matt McPherson’s secondary has a long way to go to get back to the success they’ve enjoyed in years past, and that starts with the guys on the outside.</em></p>
<h1 id="1Y4jao">Overall Grade: B-</h1>
<p id="UBrZSO">Without Newsome, this grade would be considerably lower. The group fell apart against Indiana, Purdue, and Minnesota with him out, and had difficult stretches in earlier games even with him still in. There are certainly things for the cornerbacks to build off of, and they are not, of course, fully responsible for impressive passing performances, but the group needed to be better than they were this season, even with <span>Montre Hartage</span> having graduated.</p>
<h1 id="INjqNW">Player Grades: </h1>
<p id="9Her2i"><strong>Greg Newsome II: A-</strong></p>
<p id="JMgc4V"><em>Stats: 36 TKLs, 0.5 TFLs, 11 PBU, FR</em></p>
<p id="UFlqev">Before he went down in Bloomington, Newsome was quietly putting together an All-Big Ten caliber season. The true sophomore suffered a few lapses in coverage, but largely, he was left alone on the outside and fared quite well. </p>
<p id="pfWx9I">He was first in the Big Ten and top-ten nationwide in pass breakups before going down against the Hoosiers, and the pass defense’s struggles immediately after his injury tell a large part of the story of his season as well. Newsome is a legitimate #1 Big Ten corner, and if he continues on his current trajectory, could well become a star.</p>
<p id="3FJ72S"><span><strong>Trae Williams</strong></span><strong>: C+</strong></p>
<p id="noWyP1"><em>Stats: 18 TKLs, 5 PBU</em></p>
<p id="8bgfCq">It’s tough to judge the senior captain too harshly, as he was dealing with his own injuries throughout the season, limiting both his playing time and effectiveness. <span>Williams</span> only ended up appearing in nine games, and was clearly bothered for much of the season by the lower-body ailment.</p>
<p id="tFJyuv">Still, though he had his moments in coverage, Williams struggled considerably on the outside, and when he moved into the slot against Minnesota, things went poorly. Against other teams with fewer weapons, the Ohio native was a valuable asset in slot coverage, and often looked at least passable on the outside as well. </p>
<p id="xjRZIM">He certainly wasn’t the number one thing wrong with this position group, but Williams committed a few more penalties than one would like (not the last time you’ll hear that) and missed a few crucial tackles, most notably allowing <span>Ihmir Smith-Marsette</span> to turn a 15-yard gain into a 50-yard touchdown against Iowa. Regardless, the veteran leaves a hole that must be filled.</p>
<p id="qMmmWr"><strong>Cam Ruiz: C-</strong></p>
<p id="ZC1CnQ"><em>Stats: 44 TKLs, 3 TFLs, INT, FF, QBH, 6 PBU</em></p>
<p id="pRKNCf">The numbers certainly don’t look bad for the sophomore corner, who was undeniably impressive at times as a blitzer and run defender. However, as per usual, the statistics don’t tell the whole story. Ruiz, who ended up seeing the most playing time out of any single corner due to injuries, was undeniably the weak link in outside coverage this season. </p>
<p id="GGwBZT">His year-long struggles were highlighted by a two-game stretch against Purdue and Indiana in which he committed no fewer than five pass interference penalties, including effectively the game-loser against the Boilermakers on a late fourth down in which he tackled the intended receiver. </p>
<p id="vEa9N1">Ruiz has the speed of a top corner, and occasionally even shows instincts to that effect. But too often, he just doesn’t get his head around, resulting in easy penalties that keep drives alive. Without a big offseason, Ruiz, or whoever ends up at the second corner spot, will be a significant question mark for a Wildcat team that can’t afford many of those.</p>
<p id="Y1oBk4"><span><strong>A.J. Hampton</strong></span><strong>: B</strong></p>
<p id="1N6GNE"><em>Stats: 15 TKLs, INT, PBU</em></p>
<p id="H5RWvM">Of everybody at the corner position, Hampton undeniably showed the most growth over the course of 2019. Starting the year, the redshirt first year looked close to unplayable out of the slot, getting beat with consistency and displaying poor coverage instincts. </p>
<p id="FWopnU">But Hampton absolutely turned things around down the stretch, getting enough experience as the nickel back to cement himself as a viable option over there as the ‘Cats move forward. Hopefully, he continues to become a much-needed success story for McPherson’s group.</p>
<p id="X69doP"><strong>Rod Cambell: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="BUMnbY">The imminent grad transfer appeared sparingly in ten games, but didn’t make enough of an impact to warrant a grade.</p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/23/21035446/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-cornerbacksNoah Coffman2019-12-22T15:50:32-06:002019-12-22T15:50:32-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Linebackers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OpmsaPC7vbwTRAPQx_DOdxq20r0=/0x0:5067x3378/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65956532/usa_today_13466750.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was a frustrating season for the leaders of NU’s defense. </p> <p id="oTooji"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats this year. </em></p>
<p id="K2VLGD"><em>It’s time to look at a linebacker group that had high expectations in 2019, but didn’t quite deliver upon them.</em></p>
<h1 id="1Y4jao">Overall Grade: B-</h1>
<p id="UBrZSO">There’s no doubt that fans had a lot of faith in this group to be one of the anchors of the defense. With plenty of experience and talent, the linebackers had a chance to become a strong spot for the squad. Ultimately, that didn’t come to fruition, and it held the defense back, if only slightly.</p>
<h1 id="INjqNW">Player Grades: </h1>
<p id="Vfm9dM"><span><strong>Chris Bergin</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="KmHRry"><em>Stats: 86 tackles, six tackles for loss</em></p>
<p id="36ng49">The walk-on had a solid season, establishing himself as a reliable player. He looked more than competent aside <span>Paddy Fisher</span> and <span>Blake Gallagher</span>, showing that he belonged as a starting Big Ten linebacker. The 5-foot-11, 215 pound Bergin was a ton of fun to watch as he consistently exceeded expectations. He may not have had Fisher’s workload, but he rarely if ever missed a tackle or blew an assignment, remaining consistent for the entirety of the season.</p>
<p id="CYEFVs"><strong>Paddy Fisher: B</strong></p>
<p id="CUugnj"><em>Stats: 88 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble</em></p>
<p id="8rNF5r">In a season full of disappointments for the ‘Cats, Fisher, despite a thoroughly competent season, was arguably one of the larger ones, at least on the defensive side. The junior was projected to be a first round pick going into the 2019 campaign, but had his share of rough performances, finishing seventh in the Big Ten in tackles and 94th in the country. </p>
<p id="PqNji4">His relatively weak season saw him falling out of the first round in mock drafts, and didn’t help Northwestern’s defense. Fisher just didn’t look the same as the star fans saw over the past two years, and while some of that comes from increased focus from offenses, his team needed him to step up a bit more than he did.</p>
<p id="X2n7xX"><strong>Blake Gallagher: B-</strong></p>
<p id="FNK1Sg"><em>Stats: 88 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss</em></p>
<p id="kEtEOF">Gallagher’s stats don’t tell the full story. 88 tackles, a pass defended and three interceptions appears at first glance to represent a strong season for the junior from Raynham, Mass. But Gallagher, like the rest of NU’s defense, missed plenty of tackles throughout the season, including some notable ones against Stanford and UNLV. </p>
<p id="Rh0jVr">If he wants to get his name thrown in the draft conversation next year the outside linebacker will have to shore up his open field tackling in the offseason while stepping up as a leader on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p id="bZhzDc"><span><strong>Erik Mueller</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="MqZvPT"><em>Stats: Seven tackles, 0.5 TFLs</em></p>
<p id="KdG6KR">The junior played against Illinois, Umass, Indiana, Iowa and MSU, recording seven tackles in five games. With that said, he wasn’t on the field for a majority of snaps in any of those contests. Averaging over a tackle per game in limited playing time is nothing to scoff at, however.</p>
<p id="qIm91k"><span><strong>Bryce Gallagher</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="KbD09g">Blake Gallagher’s little brother didn’t get enough playing time to earn a fair judgement. Gallagher played three games and recorded three tackles, ultimately ending up redshirting. He didn’t make any glaring mistakes in his three games, and will see more playing time in the future.</p>
<p id="HE8sEI"><span><strong>Grayson Mann</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="6HJT0M">The freshman appeared against MSU, Umass and Wisconsin, recording one tackle. Mann didn’t get much of an opportunity to show what he’s capable of, but, like Gallagher, will get more playing time in the future.</p>
<p id="mhoV7B"><span><strong>Peter McIntyre</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="Uk2U8a">The sophomore had two tackles in two games against UMass and Nebraska. </p>
<p id="upTRHL"><span><strong>Jaylen Rivers</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="Zs9DXq">The redshirt freshman failed to record a stat in 7 games of largely special teams-based action. It’ll be interesting to see where Rivers’ future leads him.</p>
<p id="gB5kZu"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/22/21024155/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-linebackersJacob Brown2019-12-22T14:24:49-06:002019-12-22T14:24:49-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Defensive Line
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<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="oTooji"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats this year. </em></p>
<p id="K2VLGD"><em>We now move to the other side of the ball, where the composite grades and analysis will be more positive for an NU defense that finished </em><a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28251219/sp+-rankings-conference-championship-games"><em>26th in the country in SP+.</em></a></p>
<h1 id="1Y4jao">Overall Grade: B+</h1>
<p id="nPI8AO">Northwestern’s defensive line was the team’s strongest position group in 2019. The unit’s performance was largely overshadowed by struggles at virtually every other area, but a 3-9 record shouldn’t takeaway from the impressive strides the front seven made under the tutelage of Marty Long for yet another season.</p>
<p id="RPrW6G">A mix of both experienced and young linemen anchored the NU rushing defense to 40th in the country, allowing just 136.9 YPG on the ground despite facing some of the country’s best running backs week-in and week-out. The pass rush never really reached its full potential, but it’s hard to have much overall criticism for a group of guys that kept the Wildcats in games where every other position group was floundering, especially as they consistently battled injuries.</p>
<p id="xzy7yp">Long will lose a few critical guys up front next season (one that, hopefully, we’ll continue watching on Sundays), but that shouldn’t provoke too much concern moving forward. The Wildcats will still return plenty of experienced and developing talent, and the group should once again be ready for a strong campaign in 2020.</p>
<h1 id="ulbC08">Player Grades</h1>
<p id="EbtCmm"><span><strong>Joe Gaziano</strong></span><strong>: A+</strong></p>
<p id="jkcSxx"><em>Stats: 49 tackles (34 solo, 15 assists), 9 sacks, 5 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles</em></p>
<p id="dJ7PIR">To no one’s surprise, Gaz earns the highest grade among the defensive linemen this season. In a year of disappointment, the redshirt senior shined once again, imposing himself as a constant force in opponent backfields and earning his rank as one of Big Ten’s best defensive linemen.</p>
<p id="RGb21C">The defensive end capped it all off by breaking the all-time Northwestern sack record, finishing with 30 for his career. Fans should be excited to see one of the best to ever don the purple continue writing his legacy on Sundays. </p>
<p id="z2GRCc"><span><strong>Alex Miller</strong></span><strong>: A-</strong></p>
<p id="zJYLPV"><em>Stats: 41 tackles (19 solo, 22 assists), 4 sacks, 1 passes defended</em></p>
<p id="0LUBVV">The senior tackle had by far his most successful season from a production standpoint, setting a season-high in both tackles and sacks on his career. Miller’s stats weren’t anything to write home about, but it’s impact off the stat sheet where the senior earned his A- rating. Replacing Jordan Thompson, the lineman found himself constantly absorbing double teams on the inside, opening up the door for Northwestern’s linebackers to finish off plays.</p>
<p id="TLzp6o">The 300-pounder deserves a ton of credit for his performance this season, as things could’ve gone a lot worse for NU without him working hard upfront. </p>
<p id="n9n24Q"><span><strong>Samdup Miller</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="fOq2pY"><em>Stats: 29 tackles (19 solo, 11 assists), 0.5 sacks</em></p>
<p id="QaQaHA">The younger Miller brother’s production dropped in 2019 as he battled injuries throughout the latter half of the season and also saw more time on the inside. After seeing 14 starts at defensive end in 2018, injuries limited Miller to action in just eight games throughout his redshirt junior season. Still, he was a solid contributor, posting 2.5 TFLs and half of a sack. </p>
<p id="8FOSXv">Miller should have a starting spot on the end locked down for his senior season, and looks ready to take the next step in a season that he can hopefully play at full strength.</p>
<p id="tOkltQ"><span><strong>Eku Leota</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="r14Qek"><em>Stats: 12 tackles (6 solo, 6 assists), 2.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumbles</em></p>
<p id="Lnly5j">Leota was quietly one of the best and most surprising stories of this Northwestern defense. The redshirt freshman saw increased action with Samdup Miller and Earnest Brown battling injuries, and he capitalized by putting together a quality season throughout the ten games of action he saw. </p>
<p id="sx8sNN">Leota opened his account early when he combined for a sack at Stanford, and he kept things going, picking up two more sacks to go along with 4.5 TFLs on the year. He’ll likely be battling Earnest Brown next season for the second starting end spot alongside Sthe younger Miller.</p>
<p id="YgayBR"><span><strong>Trevor Kent</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="hdQjUo"><em>Stats: 8 tackles (3 solo, 5 assists)</em></p>
<p id="5F78Bb">Kent’s season was cut short due to an injury suffered at Indiana, but there was still plenty of positive to take away from the young tackle’s performance in his sophomore season. He cemented himself as a viable starting tackle alongside Alex Miller, and a healthy Kent should be the anchor of the interior of this Northwestern defensive line moving into 2020.</p>
<p id="Op0RiC"><span><strong>Jake Saunders</strong></span><strong>: B-</strong></p>
<p id="SUs2TS"><em>Stats: 8 tackles (7 solo, 1 assist), 1 sacks</em></p>
<p id="15thBb">The junior spent the former half of the season splitting playing time with Kent at tackle before taking over as a starter after the starter went down with an injury. After seeing action in just three games throughout his first two season, Saunders played in 11 this year, picking up both his first career sack and tackles for losses. </p>
<p id="xHk2zD"><span><strong>Adetomiwa Adebawore</strong></span><strong>: A-</strong></p>
<p id="Ax6YPi"><em>Stats: 49 tackles (34 solo, 15 assists), 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles</em></p>
<p id="8MIWly">Tommy Adebawore made a serious case for most valuable true freshman on this 2019 team. He was so impressive that the ‘Cats elected to burn his redshirt, with the promising edge rusher action in seven games. It took until the latter half of the season for him to break through, but Adebawore had cemented himself into the regular DL rotation by the end of the year. </p>
<p id="Hltirr">Above all else, he’s an exciting young piece that Mike Hankwitz has to work with moving forward, and with three years of eligibility remaining, Northwestern fans should be excited to see him continue to grow. </p>
<p id="3AWAYG"><span><strong>Joe Spivak</strong></span><strong>: B</strong></p>
<p id="kOpPew"><em>Stats: 8 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), 0.5 sack</em></p>
<p id="rRXGzR">After missing last season with an injury, the former walk-on saw the most action of his career, appearing in 12 games, and earning eight tackles to go along with it. One of the most fun players on this NU team earns a passing grade on the year and will be a viable backup in 2020.</p>
<p id="GZohN5"><span><strong>Earnest Brown IV</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete </strong></p>
<p id="XNqIyN"><em>Stats: 15 tackles (8 solo, 7 assists), 2 sacks</em></p>
<p id="Zlu6ho">Expectations were high for Brown heading into his junior season, and unfortunately, the campaign did not pan out how everyone hoped. His year got off to a rough start with a terrible and costly targeting penalty at Stanford, and he was one of many players on this team to have their season cut short due to injury.</p>
<p id="KkOLS9">Brown was still productive in the action he saw, but this was certainly not the breakout season many saw coming for the highly-touted prospect in his third year. His fourth season will provide a chance for a serious bounce-back performance as the NU defensive front looks to replace Gaziano’s production. </p>
<p id="5pz2ZF"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/22/21033696/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-defensive-lineJoeWeinberg2019-12-21T08:11:00-06:002019-12-21T08:11:00-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Offensive Line
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<img alt="Massachusetts v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TyRWrF81zHAoADb6Ob0lk2WmPPU=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65952059/1192334641.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The group up front overcame upheaval to put together a thoroughly impressive finish to the season.</p> <p id="63LAnu"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats this year. Today, the offensive line, which earns an impressive grade based on how thoroughly they out-performed expectations down the stretch of the season.</em></p>
<h1 id="1Y4jao">Overall Grade: B+</h1>
<p id="ulbC08">This may seem wildly high at first glance, and any disagreement is undoubtedly valid. But a group that had to add three new starters, switched their right tackle to left tackle, and saw their lone senior starter play only his second full season at his position was often downright dominant during the season’s final month, and largely held their own before that. Those accomplishments are certainly worthy of some praise.</p>
<p id="OWfYqf">Despite some early season miscommunications, the fault of which is still relatively undetermined, this group gelled together well enough in pass protection to largely keep their signal callers off the ground down the stretch. Meanwhile, they were consistently ripping open huge holes in the running game. It may be the fourth straight year that this group has started slowly before showing signs of improvement, but that improvement was rapid and marked in Kurt Anderson’s first year at the helm of the #TrenchCats.</p>
<h1 id="ZW1QQ4">Player Grades</h1>
<p id="EbtCmm"><span><strong>Rashawn Slater</strong></span><strong>: A+</strong></p>
<p id="yrdVCl">It quickly became apparent that Slater was the best offensive player this team had to offer over the course of the 2019 season. I’d like to posit that, especially with <span>Joe Gaziano</span> graduating, he is actually the best (and maybe even most valuable) player on the entire team. The Texan tackle took the all-important switch from the right side of the line to the left fully in stride, completely protecting his QB’s blind side all season long. </p>
<p id="m18BCE">It’s easy to forget, but Slater handled <span>Chase Young</span>, albeit with help at times (the Heisman finalist’s only sack in the Northwestern-OSU matchup came against <span>Gunnar Vogel</span> on the other side of the line), and though AJ Epenesa got the best of him once or twice, he largely held his own there, too. Slater is a rock in pass protection and continues to improve in the run game as well. </p>
<p id="FBNk4A">Right now, at one of the most important positions on the field, Slater is very clearly among the nation’s elite, with PFF recognizing him as an All-Big Ten caliber player for the third season in a row. This kind of lineman doesn’t come around too often for a team like Northwestern. Cherish him over the course of his senior season.</p>
<p id="8A670Q"><span><strong>Jared Thomas</strong></span><strong>: A-</strong></p>
<p id="V9mDCZ">After moving all over the line, <span>Thomas</span> found a home at center last season. And despite some growing pains, during his senior campaign, the team captain was one of the resurgent run game’s stars in the final contests of the year. Undeniably, Thomas led this group, and he consistently did his job, ever-disciplined and energetic along the way. </p>
<p id="1UMfXg">It may not have shown in the game results, but after a slow start, Thomas kept this group thoroughly on schedule, which is more than you can truly say for the leaders at any other offensive position. For that, the departing center deserves credit.</p>
<p id="HlQjX3"><span><strong>Sam Gerak</strong></span><strong>: B-</strong></p>
<p id="5C2fQs">In his first season as a starter, Gerak had his fair share of ups and downs. The right guard laid some impressive blocks in the run game, but seemed to be a part of a few of the early miscommunications in pass protection, and went through a few down periods in the passing game across the whole season. The redshirt sophomore showed plenty of promise, though, and under Anderson’s tutelage, he looks ready to take significant strides in 2020.</p>
<p id="aHZzcJ"><span><strong>Nik Urban</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="E7C7IU">Though he hadn’t started except for as an injury replacement prior to the 2019 season, the redshirt junior still entered the year as one of the most veteran Wildcat linemen. That experience showed. Being next to Slater and Thomas at left guard certainly helped, but Urban was a key cog when it came to making the left side of the line dominant. </p>
<p id="rxi7Kk">Even during the early season passing game struggles, he, Slater, and Thomas largely remained watertight, and after a few apparent lapses in the run game early on, he became a force blocking all over the field as the season continued. This line will have all the experience you could ask for next season, and Urban has shown a definite readiness to be a leader among that group.</p>
<p id="cB6TyF"><strong>Gunnar Vogel: C+</strong></p>
<p id="wD7iEt">Vogel ceded his spot at right tackle to <span>Ethan Wiederkehr</span> occasionally over the course of the season, and for good going into the last three games. Though that latter replacement was almost certainly the result of an injury, the veteran tackle wasn't exactly having his best season heading into it. </p>
<p id="pGCvyy">His issues in pass protection continued to crop up all year long, and a slight increase in positive impact on the run game wasn’t nearly enough to make for it. Vogel was a downright liability at times, and simply has to get more consistent to remain a key part of this dangerous unit heading into his senior season.</p>
<p id="TNIOAm"><strong>Reserves: B</strong></p>
<p id="Ghwc0q"><span>Charlie Schmidt</span> and <span>Sam Stovall</span> each appeared in nine games, and though Schmidt had a few early breakdowns, Stovall, the redshirt freshman, was solid throughout, and both were in lockstep with the rest of the group by season’s end. Wiederkehr, meanwhile, showed perhaps the most drastic improvement of anybody in the OL room during 2019. </p>
<p id="or4L0l">After some really tough early plays, including giving up the sack-strip that ended the Stanford game in place of Slater, when he was called on to start the final three games of the season, the redshirt freshmen impressed in all aspects. Another highly promising piece going forward.</p>
<p id="YGdqOp">No other offensive lineman played in more than two games.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/21/21032550/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-offensive-line-rashawn-slater-jared-thomasNoah Coffman2019-12-19T08:02:00-06:002019-12-19T08:02:00-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Superbacks
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/58boX8l99V4IoXN0Oj1o6gJ4Lhk=/3x0:2948x1963/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65938471/usa_today_11641162.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not so super after all.</p> <p id="X147ae"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats over the course of 2019. Next up are the superbacks.</em></p>
<h2 id="dCLE3m"><strong>Overall Grade: C</strong></h2>
<p id="aYBpSs">Prior to this season, the superback had been, for the longest time, an integral part of Northwestern’s offense under Mick McCall. From the likes of <span>Dan Vitale</span> and <span>Garrett Dickerson</span>, both of whom are in the middle of NFL stints, to Cam Green, one of Northwestern’s best ever at the position, the ‘Cats always seemed to lean somewhat heavily on their version of the tight end.</p>
<p id="hdQuYH">That simply wasn’t the case this year. Northwestern superbacks combined for just seven receptions on the season, none of which were touchdowns. </p>
<p id="b9luii">The reasons for a passing grade? For one, much like our wide receiver grades, a less than ideal passing game severely limited Northwestern superbacks from making an impact on the stat sheet. On top of that, when the superbacks were used to block, they were largely effective, boosting their grade a tiny bit.</p>
<p id="hvfyFv">Of course, they’re not quite off the hook. Let’s take a look at each of the superbacks who saw the field this year for the ‘Cats and break down their play.</p>
<h2 id="J85hd8"><strong>Player Grades</strong></h2>
<p id="iutvqF"><span><strong>Charlie Mangieri</strong></span><strong>: C</strong></p>
<p id="ttESwy"><em>Stats: five receptions, 21 yards, zero touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="eVqAyG">Mangieri was the main superback who saw the field for the ‘Cats in 2019, and didn’t make much of an impression following the retirement of Cam Green. Mangieri’s longest recorded reception went for eight yards, and saw the field in only five games this past season. Some of that, of course, can be chalked up to poor QB play and atrocious offensive output. </p>
<p id="N7T1VB">He is a capable blocker, but Mangieri’s hands are not where they need to be to start as a reliable pass-catcher within the Northwestern offense. Hopefully, next year, he will revert more to the role he was mainly used in during 2018: a primarily blocking-focused tight end. If not, he will need to show significant improvement in the passing game to become a consistent weapon.</p>
<p id="HglPLt"><span><strong>Trey Pugh</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="x0JyuL"><em>Stats: two receptions, nine yards, zero touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="Rzr5et">Pugh saw the field in the just three games this year, recording his longest reception for eight yards against Minnesota. Like last year, he flashed promise during his time on the field, showcasing an ability to successfully run routes and attract defensive attention. </p>
<p id="PwF6nO">Unfortunately, he had a significant drop of what would have been an easy touchdown in the season’s final game, which slightly hurt his standing. Regardless, at full strength Pugh can clearly be a weapon in this offense. Let’s hope that promise comes to pass next season.</p>
<p id="9ZESJf"><span><strong>Trent Goens</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="yApGdA"><em>Stats: zero receptions, zero yards, zero touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="U2CFc2">Goens, when he was playing offense, was used only as a backup and primarily as a blocker in his senior season. There just isn’t enough to go on here.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/19/21029273/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-superbacks-charlie-mangieri-pugh-vitale-green-dickersonMac Stone2019-12-18T07:54:00-06:002019-12-18T07:54:00-06:002019 Northwestern football position reviews: Wide Receivers
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<img alt="Minnesota v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iewzgqHkH2MFLsDrgnJXFOUEAHo=/0x0:3017x2011/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65929994/1189770777.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Riley (somewhat) to the rescue!</p> <p id="ZHsjCC"><em>With our postseason coverage starting a bit early this year, it’s time to give out some individual grades and a small look at what’s to come in the 2020 season. We’re going to evaluate each position group as we deconstruct what went wrong for the ‘Cats over the course of 2019. Next up is the wide receivers, and no, we unfortunately cannot just talk about </em><span><em>Riley Lees</em></span><em>.</em></p>
<h1 id="e4sAPT"><strong>Overall Grade: C+</strong></h1>
<p id="ooXgEW">Considering how much wide receivers depend on the skill level of the guy throwing to them, it’s no surprise that the Northwestern WRs struggled in a year where the <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/17/21025619/northwestern-football-position-reviews-grading-the-quarterbacks-marty-johnson-smith">quarterback position group received a D for its performance grade</a>. </p>
<p id="07kLlJ">That’s partially why this group still received a passing grade (C’s get degrees, as they say). There’s not a lot they can do when the player designated to throw them the ball continually sails it over their heads or doesn’t even look their way when they are open. </p>
<p id="KfD9RO">That said, the pass-catchers can’t escape without some blame. There were dropped passes. There were poorly run routes. Worst of all, the ‘Cats finished 127th out of 130 teams in passing yards per game, and the three teams they finished ahead of were the only three true triple option teams remaining in the FBS. </p>
<p id="RLj6Sp">Kentucky even finished one spot ahead of Northwestern, even though they played a wide receiver at quarterback for the last two months of the season. Oof. Well. on that note, let’s look at the players who were split out wide this season for the purple and white.</p>
<h1 id="IpyzT0"><strong>Player Grades:</strong></h1>
<p id="r3Xqzg"><strong>Riley Lees: A-</strong></p>
<p id="QtO6GG"><em>Stats: 51 receptions, 430 yards, 2 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="ZQGqIt">In a normal year, Lees would probably drop down a letter grade. Sure, he was solid all season, catching at least five passes in seven different games and contributing at least a little in each contest save for his one-catch, negative two yard performance against Iowa.</p>
<p id="6R11sD">But the junior was far from perfect. He only averaged 8.1 yards per reception, and failed to break 100 yards in any single game. He recorded half as many touchdowns as he did in 2018, and those didn’t come till the final third of the season. Put it this way: If Lees was the team’s third best receiver, like he was last year, then you would have one heck of a receiving corps.</p>
<p id="DONAG2">Unfortunately, this is the 2019 <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/">Northwestern Wildcats</a>, and Lees was far and away the team’s best pass-catcher. He more than doubled every other receiver in total yardage, and at least tripled them in total receptions. In a season where most receivers saw their stats regress, Lees actually saw vast improvement. </p>
<p id="aJg2iT">So no, Lees wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t some dynamic weapon that other teams had to account for, but to be fair, no one on this offense was. Lees was a fantastic possession receiver that came through in a very rough season of Northwestern football, even making all seven of his team’s receptions in the win over UMASS. And, most importantly...he gave us the touchdown catch that helped secure the HAT. </p>
<div id="Y2FeJ0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.2005%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/tswbf" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Z0LQkj"><span><strong>Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman</strong></span><strong>: C</strong></p>
<p id="dsaaQJ"><em>Stats: 17 receptions, 188 yards, 0 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="TdKBcb">When watching team sports, it’s not a good sign when you completely forget that a certain player is out there despite general knowledge of who they are. Think Jeff Green or Andrew Wiggins at times in the NBA. I bring this up because it’s how I too often felt about Chiaokhiao-Bowman this season. </p>
<p id="Wsl0WE">Yes, the talent is there, and he was far from the offense’s biggest problem, but I just don’t remember him making too many impactful or meaningful plays. While he technically had the second best receiving stats on the team by volume, none of those seemed to come when the ‘Cats actually needed them.</p>
<p id="KcVlNd">He racked up 10 catches for 112 yards combined in the games against Michigan State, Iowa and Indiana, all of which were decided early, making Chiaokhiao-Bowman’s yards not much more than filler stats. A lot of that of course, can be pinned on the struggles under center, but the 6’2” redshirt junior needs to work on his consistency with regards to both getting open and making plays headed into next season.</p>
<p id="dtqLpu"><span><strong>Kyric McGowan</strong></span><strong>: C-</strong></p>
<p id="FIR8Ex"><em>Stats: 13 receptions, 102 yards, 0 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="Dfbprw">There’s a good chance that McGowan will be listed as a running back next year, due to his dynamic dash in the Purdue game before an unfortunate season-ending injury. Another reason why he might switch positions is that he had a relatively poor year at his originally designated one.</p>
<p id="15lHjl">McGowan was a decent deep threat his sophomore season, averaging 17.7 yards per reception, only to see that plummet to an 7.8 yard average this year. His reception totals were still low, like they were in 2018, and the only game where he mustered over two catches was when he switched to running back against the Boilermakers.</p>
<p id="qCkxpY">McGowan’s speed and quick twitch ability certainly seem more valuable in the backfield than on the far side. He was not a productive receiver this year, with a few drops adding to struggles with finding space in the secondary, so here’s to hoping that Mike Bajakian and the offensive coaching staff sticks with the change Mick McCall made in November.</p>
<p id="aVqHMl"><span><strong>JJ Jefferson</strong></span><strong>: B</strong></p>
<p id="5XVBKI"><em>Stats: 12 receptions, 155 yards, 2 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="pJaGb1">Maybe I’m overreacting here. Jefferson’s stats certainly don’t jump off the page as those of a highly productive player, even one whose season was cut short due to injury. But there were two specific moments of his this year that I couldn’t get out of my head, and in a season that most ‘Cats fans probably wish they could forget, that counts for something. </p>
<p id="D6ChFu">Most of you probably know the first one I’m talking about: Jefferson’s impressive 50-yard touchdown in the win over UNLV.</p>
<div id="MBBL9N"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.948%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/6bl1l" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="JY4XAG">(Some not-so-fun facts about this play: It was the longest completion of the season for Northwestern and it was the only touchdown <span>Hunter Johnson</span> has ever thrown in college. Anyone who would now like to slam their head against a wall, you are excused to do so.)</p>
<p id="OO4aZE">The second moment for me was when Triple J’s season ended in an injury after the first quarter of the abysmal Iowa loss. To that point in the game, Jefferson had accounted for the team’s only two receptions (in addition to being the only pass-catcher with any touchdowns at that point in the season), and just being in the stands that day, seeing him on the ground left the student section in despair. </p>
<p id="WY7K1X">Not only was it an injury, but an injury to the only receiver that seemed capable of creating any separation against the talented Iowa secondary. It was a collective feeling of, “You have got to be kidding me.” Jefferson was the team’s best deep threat, showed real flashes of talent, solid route-running, and good hands, and should be poised for a good season next year.</p>
<p id="u5P4vo"><span><strong>Bennett Skowronek</strong></span><strong>: Incomplete</strong></p>
<p id="SEmDb7"><em>Stats: 12 receptions, 141 yards, 0 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="4Ufl16">After a great junior season and a heroic division-winning catch against Iowa, 2019 should have been Skowronek’s year. Unfortunately, the potential season of stardom turned into a nightmare, and his future is now uncertain.</p>
<p id="qBChGz">The senior led the team in receiving over the first three games of 2019, but was injured against Michigan State, and would not return to the field again for the ‘Cats this season. </p>
<p id="MWWy4s">The initial rumors were that Skowronek would be leaving NU to enter the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. However, <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/2/20991738/bennett-skowronek-enters-transfer-portal-northwestern-wide-receiver-cfb-ncaa-college-football-ben">it’s since been reported that Skowronek is instead deciding between returning to Northwestern or transferring to another school for his final season</a>. Only time will tell if ‘Cats fans get to see #88 as a Wildcat again in a potentially career-defining role as a member of Mike Bajakian’s offense, or if his Northwestern career sadly ended in a blowout loss to the Spartans. </p>
<p id="0luaRQ"><span><strong>Jace James</strong></span><strong>: B+</strong></p>
<p id="Il3dnL"><em>Stats: 10 receptions, 92 yards, 2 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="zCt2rG">For a guy who didn’t see the field much, James left a pretty positive impact. He had a semi-breakout in the near-win against Purdue, with three catches, 41 yards and an impressive touchdown snag. James still has two years of eligibility left, and Northwestern fans should expect him to become more involved in the offense in the following seasons.</p>
<p id="LaTZTF"><span><strong>Berkeley Holman</strong></span><strong>: C+</strong></p>
<p id="u7qmfd"><em>Stats: 9 receptions, 124 yards, 0 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="FGGrpj">Holman was buried fairly deep on the depth chart, and in his few reps he didn’t really flash. Not a disaster, but an average season for a guy who not much was expected from.</p>
<p id="VocWCL"><span><strong>Malik Washington</strong></span><strong>: C+</strong></p>
<p id="SG7Ygr"><em>Stats: 6 receptions, 25 yards, 0 touchdowns</em></p>
<p id="1QfQHc">See above, but with 20% fewer reps. Washington certainly provided some promise as a true freshman, though.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/12/18/21025856/2019-northwestern-football-position-reviews-wide-receivers-riley-lees-bennett-skowronekDaniel Olinger