Inside NU - Northwestern football’s Top 10 most important players for 2020Roll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2020-07-06T13:32:57-05:00http://www.insidenu.com/rss/stream/212763332020-07-06T13:32:57-05:002020-07-06T13:32:57-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players: Honorable mention
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<figcaption>via NUSports.com | S. J. Carrera, Inc.</figcaption>
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<p>Here are a few more names to watch out for.</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>Now that we’ve made it through our top 10 rankings, here are a few other significant names on Northwestern’s roster that some of our staff members noted — just not enough to get them in the top 10.</em></p>
<p id="AriN9t"><strong>Travis Whillock (S)</strong></p>
<p id="gdx7DE">Whillock stepped into a much larger role in 2019 as a starter and is expected to replicate his success in 2020. He led the secondary stat-wise recording 78 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one sack, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He was awarded All-Big Ten honorable mention honors for his efforts and was reliable throughout last season.</p>
<p id="cvPhO5">However, the junior showed some weak spots and 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 Big Ten — he found himself beaten. In his senior season, he must step up against the toughest of competition to help lead the safeties. </p>
<p id="n7isCz"><strong>A Center</strong></p>
<p id="YBAdiK">While the offensive line is returning the bulk of its talent this season, the group lost its starting center Jared Thomas, who graduated at the end of last season. Thomas was one of the most reliable pieces of the line and paved the way for the run game that improved significantly in the later months of the year.</p>
<p id="uclAaB">Now, Northwestern is faced with the challenge of replacing the charismatic leader. Charlie Schmidt and Sam Stovall are the two contenders for that position — neither of whom saw any action in their first season in Evanston last fall. Whoever earns the role has big shoes to fill and will have to step up to anchor the ever-important offensive line.</p>
<p id="QYnmTo"><strong>John Raine (TE)</strong></p>
<p id="eonyL1">Back in May, Northwestern landed FAU tight end John Raine as the third graduate transfer of its class. In a position group that hasn’t seen much action since before Cam Green retired, Raine’s commitment brought some life to the tight ends and hope for Northwestern fans after all. The superbacks last season proved as more of a liability than an asset with barely any offensive production resulting from the group.</p>
<p id="yxOAmg">Raine, however, had a standout season in his final year at FAU, recording 38 catches for 343 yards and six touchdowns. One can expect Raine will earn the starting tight end position this season, and if he can produce similar numbers in the Big Ten, he could become one of the most important offensive weapons.</p>
<p id="3NhrmX"><strong>Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (WR)</strong></p>
<p id="chrBjd">RCB will likely hold the incredibly important receiver No. 2 role this season behind Riley Lees and his production is imperative. In his junior season, he recorded 17 catches for 188 yards but did not haul in a single touchdown. Northwestern only had six receiving touchdowns on the year and cannot afford to replicate those numbers in 2020.</p>
<p id="LjJm9t">In his senior season, RCB will have to become more of a weapon in a wide receiver group that is already of concern. </p>
<p id="WoTqXK"><strong>Sam Gerak (LG)</strong></p>
<p id="wfopQF">Gerak is another crucial piece to Northwestern’s offensive line that will (as always) play a significant role in the team’s overall success. In his first season as a starter, he had his fair share of ups and downs. While he had a number of impressive blocks in the run game, he was also a part of a few miscommunications in pass protection. </p>
<p id="SbAwsI">Ultimately, he showed plenty of promise last season and is prepared to take significant strides in 2020 as a now-veteran left guard.</p>
<p id="pIvOd7"><strong>Charlie Kuhbander (K)</strong></p>
<p id="h2cRL3">All eyes are on Kuhbander to see how he can bounce back from a rocky 2019 campaign. In his junior season, he converted on 10-of-14 field goals and 17-of-18 extra points. He especially struggled in the mid-range, going just 60 percent from 30 to 39 yards. To make matters worse, he also missed some significant, game-altering kicks against Purdue and Nebraska.</p>
<p id="YzpjrE">In 2020, Kuhbander is one of the many that needs to improve. If he can resolve some of his mid-range issues and come up clutch in late-game situations, the special teams unit could be a real asset for the Wildcats.</p>
<p id="nBUBmI"><em>Did we miss anyone? Drop your most important players in the comments below.</em></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/7/6/21309434/northwestern-footballs-most-important-players-honorable-mention-travis-whillock-john-raine-sam-gerakLia Assimakopoulos2020-07-06T11:42:02-05:002020-07-06T11:42:02-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #1: Quarterbacks
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Indiana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jv7y3yFt2JTq45EqI46H0Z1Jfr0=/0x0:4014x2676/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67021859/usa_today_13612417.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another quarterback battle is brewing with four notable returners and the addition of Peyton Ramsey.</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to discuss the merits of the player and their ranking. Finally, our staff’s No. 1 most important player is the group that caused Northwestern the most difficulties last season but must improve significantly in 2020 if the team hopes to succeed — the quarterback (whoever that may be).</em></p>
<p id="nhAOAf"><strong>Louis Yang (1)</strong></p>
<p id="WRzrX9">We’re all beating a dead horse at this point. We know the quarterback play must improve after last season’s disaster. It is a shame that the ‘Cats had a top-20 defense paired with arguably the worst passing offense in the nation. However, to Fitz’s credit, it appears that he acknowledged that the quarterback is the most important position this offseason after bringing in grad transfer <span>Peyton Ramsey</span> along with firing longtime offensive coordinator Mick McCall. Serious changes are needed, but the QB room very well could take major strides in 2020.</p>
<p id="W1eUcg">It seems as though the overwhelming consensus is that Ramsey will be under center whenever the season starts. He is a proven talent in the Big Ten and is the deciding factor on whether or not Northwestern will be able to return to a bowl game with five very winnable conference games. </p>
<p id="b3o6ah">With nine starters returning on defense, all Northwestern needs to be competitive in the Big Ten West is a stable quarterback presence. With productive pieces such as <span>Isaiah Bowser</span> and <span>Riley Lees</span> returning, the ‘Cats do not need a particularly explosive passing offense. Adding in the fact that Bajakian may implement a run-heavy offense — if his offense at Boston College is any indication — then Northwestern may just need a game-managing QB. </p>
<p id="wypRaD">In reality, it is a lot to ask a QB who has never gone through spring practice under a new scheme to run an explosive passing offense. With a formidable offensive line that stars <span>Rashawn Slater</span>, Ramsey should be able to keep defenses honest with his passing ability to set up the run game. The NU offense must establish an honest passing attack to prevent defenses from stacking the box as they did last year. </p>
<p id="I9ksLG">In short, establishing some semblance of a passing attack will be the difference from another two-to-three win season or a potential seven-to-eight win season. The defense is elite and will be able to carry the team when the offense has an off day, but at the end of the day, passing must be a threat for any kind of success this year. </p>
<p id="zmIV6i"><strong>Lia Assimakopoulos (1)</strong></p>
<p id="A4OHJ7">As we saw last season, the quarterback is without a doubt the most important player in Northwestern’s success both offensively and as a whole. As Louis noted, despite the fact that Northwestern had one of the most effective defenses in the Big Ten and in the nation, the team was consistently held back by the poor play on offense — which all originated with a lack of production from the quarterbacks.</p>
<p id="80zAce">But just like last season, a quarterback battle is brewing with four notable returners and an especially significant newcomer. While <span>Peyton Ramsey</span> seems like the frontrunner now, nobody really knows what will happen if football does indeed take place this fall.</p>
<p id="IMBH4w">We’re quick to forget the incredible hype that surrounded <span>Hunter Johnson</span> last offseason — and there was a reason for that. Dabo Swinney saw something in him at Clemson, and we knew he had the talent to succeed at Northwestern. He still does. And maybe the Bajakian offense will be the place for that success.</p>
<p id="JbnmHa">For <span>TJ Green</span>, there was a period during that Stanford game before he got injured where it seemed like all Northwestern fans were rallied behind him. Maybe he will get his time to shine this season.</p>
<p id="xJnCbC">Maybe it will be Ramsey in the end, and he will swoop in and save Northwestern’s offense, leading his team to a bowl game or even a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten championship</a> again. </p>
<p id="BnbWdc">It’s hard to know who it will be, but whoever it is, they have some serious work cut out for them and will be the most important player on this year’s roster.</p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2020/7/6/21311616/northwestern-footballs-most-important-players-1-quarterbacks-peyton-ramsey-tj-green-hunter-johnsonLouis Yang2020-07-05T11:28:22-05:002020-07-05T11:28:22-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #2: Paddy Fisher
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 30 Northwestern at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tUQN6ZxQwRT1BlpdLhnL-XQs0Ng=/0x93:3987x2751/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67018758/1185826499.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>One of the Big Ten’s top defenders is returning for his senior season.</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em>this link</em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em>this one</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to discuss the merits of the player and their ranking. Moving to number two on the list, we’ll be focusing on a man who many have compared to Pat Fitzgerald himself.</em></p>
<p id="xzPM5y"><strong>Ben Finkelstein (2)</strong></p>
<p id="LMzleP">This was a particularly tough placement for me because while Paddy is easily the most influential player on the defensive side of the ball, I think he could be the most critical player to take the field on game days period.</p>
<p id="uu6kUZ">In his first two years, Fisher averaged an absurd 115 tackles per game, consecutively ranking top five in the Big Ten in that category. In 2019, this number dropped to 89, which still tied him for the team lead with <span>Blake Gallagher</span>, during a down year. This unfortunate drop-off might have been a major gain for the ‘Cats defense, as Fisher decided to return to Evanston rather than entering the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>, which most thought he would do before the season began. </p>
<p id="bewldz">Paddy has always been an outstanding run-stopper, but his pass coverage could definitely use some improvement. If he can take that next step, not only will he be better suited to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, but he could see his draft stock creep up as 2021 approaches.</p>
<p id="ybLCqE">Fisher is the primary playmaker and one of the in-game leaders for this team. He’ll be asked to do it all this season in hopes of bringing Northwestern back to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a>.</p>
<p id="L7ons2"><strong>Eli Karp (2)</strong></p>
<p id="7HgPSo">It’s fairly simple: the defense goes as Fisher goes. Ben gave some numbers up top, and last year’s stats weren’t terrible, but the quarterback of the defense didn’t quite look the same as he did in his first two seasons. </p>
<p id="C8Z4dc">Fisher was competent last season, but he didn’t excel, and for a team captain with NFL aspirations, that isn’t enough. You generally know what you’re going to get from <span>Chris Bergin</span> and Blake Gallagher, but without the senior from Texas, the position group isn’t anything to rave about. When he’s playing at a high level, Northwestern’s defense looks comfortable and in control of what it wants to do: stop the run on early downs and make the opponent make plays and force things, which eventually leads to mistakes. </p>
<p id="iFH8Bt">However, when the linebackers take poor angles or can’t make important tackles, bend-don’t-break doesn’t exactly work. The scheme works and thrives when Fisher forces fumbles, as he did four times in both 2017 and 2018. His execution can lift the confidence of the entire defense. </p>
<p id="T1EiLg">He’s got the size, athleticism and usually the instincts, especially on the ground. But NU needs him to make plays, whether that’s returning to 110+ tackles this season, forcing fumbles or causing teams to think twice about running at his area of the field. If he can do that, this defense will rise to a level we know it’s capable of reaching. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/7/5/21313667/northwestern-important-players-2-paddy-fisherBen FinkelsteinEli Karp2020-07-03T12:47:58-05:002020-07-03T12:47:58-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #3: Rashawn Slater
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<img alt="Ohio State v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DUnkkf8agfIibZYiE_Mpq-8FtZ4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67015037/1182122284.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The legitimate pro prospect left tackle will once again lead a hopefully improving offensive line.</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em>this link</em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em>this one</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to debate the merits of the player and their ranking. As we get into the top three, and his buzz continues to ascend, it’s time to talk about Northwestern’s star left tackle.</em></p>
<p id="oltdn2"><strong>Noah Coffman (6)</strong></p>
<p id="05H6J6">For the second consecutive season, <span>Rashawn Slater</span> comes into training camp as the best and most consistent player on the Northwestern offense. This time around, I’d go as far as to say he’s currently not only the best player on the entire team but on track to be the best offensive lineman of at least the Pat Fitzgerald era. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has Slater graded as (takes deep breath) the highest-graded returning run blocker in the Big Ten, the highest-graded returning pass blocker in the Big Ten, the third-best lineman and pass-blocker in the Big Ten last year period, and the second-best returning tackle in the entire country. Whew.</p>
<p id="4P17sf">There’s a reason the <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/8/28/20698635/feature-rashawn-slater-journey-sugar-land-big-ten-texas-hs-football-northwestern-wildcats-pff">Sugar Land, Texas native</a> has been placed in the first round of multiple recent 2021 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> mocks. In the past three years, the senior has displayed both remarkable consistency and an extremely high floor. He has switched sides of the formation, played in front of five different quarterbacks and been a part of the worst Northwestern offense. Through it all, he has maintained an incredible level of play.</p>
<p id="neOl0v">While Slater is undeniably going to be the best player on offense, and the stability of a stud at left tackle will be crucial for Mike Bajakian in his first season as offensive coordinator, Slater’s lack of relative variance means plenty of other players’ performances will be more crucial to the season at hand. I sure hope he can somehow kick it up to an even higher notch in the final year of what is already an illustrious Wildcat career, but either way the team will need plenty more than just his personal success to achieve its goals.</p>
<p id="xdDs7m"><strong>Ben Finkelstein (3)</strong></p>
<p id="7bGK7J">Whoever lines up at quarterback this season will be the catalyst. They’ll dictate the way the offense runs every play. While skill positions might help to elevate the signal caller’s play, one player has the ability to protect that quarterback better than anyone else, while also making crucial contributions in the run game. </p>
<p id="I3Ik3E">In 2019, Rashawn Slater was earned a 90.1 grade from PFF. To put that in perspective, only four left tackles in the country were given higher grades. Two of the three, <span>Tristan Wirfs</span> and <span>Andrew Thomas</span>, were taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, while the other, <span>Penei Sewell,</span> has been mocked as high as the number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="Z4tUKp">We’ve seen what Slater can do to opposing pass rushers, but this season with Mike Bajakian calling plays, Slater will likely need to have the biggest impact on the ground. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, the senior is a big-bodied athlete with extreme athleticism and versatility, both of which will be necessary in the new offensive scheme. </p>
<p id="SD3Ujq">Slater has largely flown under the radar, especially outside of NU circles, but the hype around him has built recently. He could end up as one of the most recognizable names in college football by winter.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/7/3/21312658/northwestern-footballs-most-important-players-3-rashawn-slaterNoah CoffmanBen Finkelstein2020-06-30T09:44:52-05:002020-06-30T09:44:52-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #4: Isaiah Bowser
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Stanford" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q9O2ALbPrHB7vvb-x988vbuI8K8=/0x0:3841x2561/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66999975/usa_today_13291761.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The junior power back looks to recapture his freshman year magic.</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to debate the merits of the player and their ranking. Next up, we’re taking a closer look at </em><span><em>Isaiah Bowser</em></span><em> the ball carrier. Bowser is looking to bounce back from an injury plagued season and recapture some of his freshman year dominance. </em></p>
<p id="HgZkYY"><strong>Lucio Vainesman (5)</strong></p>
<p id="cd6uIS">Bowser finished a disappointing 2019 campaign with 204 yards and zero touchdowns. Such an output significantly contrasted his 2018 freshman season, during which he ran for 866 yards and six scores. The majority of those yards came in the span of six games. During that span, he tallied at least 18 touches in each contest, finishing with no less than 85 yards in each game. This dominant stretch hit its apex in his Big Ten West-clinching performance against Iowa, where he torched the Hawkeyes for 165 yards and a score.</p>
<p id="UsgSXX">The lack of production in 2019 can be attributed to one of many things: Bowser battled injuries throughout the season. Moreover, the offense rarely put together a decent drive, and his rhythm was out of wack due to constant quarterback change.</p>
<p id="l2mJdU">While we don’t know which version of Bowser we will see in 2020, we do know that his on-field production is imperative to the success of the Northwestern offense and consequently, the team as a whole. Over a two-year sample size, Bowser’s success correlates to team success:</p>
<p id="xmhB5e"><em> - Northwestern is 4-0 when Bowser rushes for 100 yards</em></p>
<p id="674PaV"><em> - Northwestern is 4-0 when Bowser finds the end zone</em></p>
<p id="1NgO7U"><em> - Northwestern is 5-1 when Bowser gets at least 18 touches</em></p>
<p id="TYt4xV"><strong>Jackson Boolbol (4)</strong></p>
<p id="DzedEy">Despite coming off an injury that cost Bowser most of his sophomore season, he still may need to carry the majority of the load on offense. Northwestern’s passing offense struggled in the 2019 season, finding the end zone only six times and relying heavily on the ground game. The ‘Cats are also, for the most part, maintaining the structure of their offensive line with <span>Rashawn Slater</span>’s return for his senior season. In fact, four of five starters return from last year.</p>
<p id="liz6z4">Uncertainty surrounds the quarterback position, but there is a rising consensus that graduate transfer <span>Peyton Ramsey</span> will win the job. A lack of depth at the wide receiver position remains, but thankfully, Northwestern will hang onto its most productive pass catcher in <span>Riley Lees</span>. With all this in mind, new offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian will need to rely heavily on the ground-and-pound offense, and Isiah Bowser will be the driving force behind it. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/30/21307159/northwestern-isaiah-bowserLucio VainesmanJackson Boolbol2020-06-29T12:49:24-05:002020-06-29T12:49:24-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #5: Greg Newsome II
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<img alt="Iowa v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mC1Ymn2bbIgzx7-6dZrfOaH4Ey8=/0x0:3042x2028/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66996374/1186328422.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can Newsome emerge as a conference leader this season? </p> <p id="nugWf6"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="03lCcW"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to debate the merits of the player and their ranking. Next up, we’re taking a closer look at Northwestern’s best cornerback — </em><span><em>Greg Newsome II</em></span><em>. </em></p>
<p id="qliCTq"><strong>Will Karmin (3)</strong></p>
<p id="ET122h">This number may seem a bit high as even I initially questioned whether Newsome’s ranking seemed warranted, but when analyzing from a micro-standpoint, his value to the ‘Cats cannot be understated. </p>
<p id="PaQiNo"><span>Paddy Fisher</span> should be a stud this season (he is ranked first on my important list). And while the performance in the trenches from Earnest Brown and <span>Samdup Miller</span> will be vital to NU’s defensive success, neither has an opportunity like Newsome to significantly alter the outlook on that side of the ball. The Wildcats front seven has was strong in the 2010s under Mike Hankwitz and Marty Long. I don’t envision that changing next season based on the unit’s returning players. That is why Newsome is so important. </p>
<p id="PvCcba">With J.R. Pace and <span>Travis Whillock</span> handling the back end of the secondary, Newsome is the final piece in improving NU’s defense to the upper echelon of the Big Ten. He played at an All-Big Ten level last season, finishing second in the conference with 11 passes defended despite appearing in just nine games.</p>
<p id="bjYo71">In 2019, Northwestern’s defensive struggles last season revolved around generating turnovers. If Newsome takes the next step in 2020 by turning into a ballhawking cornerback, his ability to create impact plays will elevate his status on the team to that of Fisher. </p>
<p id="pmWpfp"><strong>Daniel Olinger (NR)</strong></p>
<p id="tg7x9L">The ideas of being important and being the best are two different things. For example, Leslie Knope is the most important character from the NBC show <em>Parks and Recreation. </em>She’s the protagonist with most closely followed story, but, while being a very good character, she is not the show’s best character in my opinion. I found characters like the goofy Andy Dwyer, the deadpan April Ludgate and the immortal Ron Swanson to be funnier, more memorable and ultimately better characters. </p>
<p id="Mz6Ptn">In the same vein, I believe Newsome will be one of Northwestern’s 10 best players in the 2020 season, but not one of its 10 most important. The quarterback room is the worst position group on the team, and therefore its success is the most important to the team’s success. If Kyric McGowan can’t become a true explosive playmaker, the offense will suffer. If Charlie Schmidt struggles as the lone new offensive lineman, then that puts a chink in the armor protecting an already shaky backfield. </p>
<p id="KsG818">Newsome was an above average corner last year, and as Will mentioned above, finished with an impressive 11 passes defended in nine games (though it should be noted that CFB Reference has him at only nine passes defended). </p>
<p id="9pD0lX">But just think about it — were you talking about Newsome every week last fall, was his performance always on your mind? Probably not. What you were likely musing about was how important it is for the quarterbacks and halfbacks to rebound from a dismal season, how important it is that Paddy Fisher returns to superstar form as a senior or how important it is that someone on the defensive line fills in the gigantic shoes <span>Joe Gaziano</span> left behind. </p>
<p id="0CTKFD">Newsome is a fine player, and barring injury, should produce for the ‘Cats in 2020. I just don’t find his individual success to have as strong of a positive correlation to the success of the team going forward. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/29/21306055/northwestern-footballs-most-important-players-5-greg-newsome-iiWilliam KarminDaniel Olinger2020-06-28T17:12:50-05:002020-06-28T17:12:50-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #6: Samdup Miller
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Td31pKKtJnYA_CmMYxPzJLdQKIE=/0x0:2760x1840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66993463/usa_today_11387817.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The senior edge rusher looks to help catalyze a defense that could use more sacks. </p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to debate the merits of the player and their ranking. Next up, we’re taking a closer look at a defensive Trench Cat who needs to help fill </em><span><em>Joe Gaziano</em></span><em>’s shoes — </em><span><em>Samdup Miller</em></span><em>.</em></p>
<p id="HgZkYY"><strong>Eli Karp (4)</strong></p>
<p id="yh6G3w">Defensive line coach Marty Long is arguably the best position coach on the team, and a main reason why is that he consistently develops talent so that when productive players graduate, there isn’t a drop off in quality of play. Northwestern’s d-line returns all its talent except for program great defensive end Joe Gaziano, and if there’s one knock on the position group, it’s that they don’t generate enough pressure on the quarterback. Gaziano was the undisputed top pass rusher on the squad, followed by Miller and Earnest Brown, both of whom saw their 2019 seasons abbreviated due to injury.</p>
<p id="5NfsmH">For NU’s defense to truly excel, it needs an effective Samdup Miller. In fact, he already flashed his potential in his freshman and sophomore seasons, when he started all 27 games, made 85 tackles, 15 of which were tackles for loss.</p>
<p id="rBNaxY">Miller is by far the most experienced defensive end on the roster. Brown has plenty of upside, but he hasn’t been on the field enough to prove the the same consistency. The defense has recorded just 24 sacks in each of the last two years but was more explosive in 2017 with 32 sacks (33 percent more). The overall unit was more dominant, allowing just 20 points and 357 yards per game while racking up 94 TFLs. Unsurprisingly, that was Miller’s best year, as he ranked second on the team behind Gaziano in both sacks and quarterback hurries with 5.5 and 4, respectively, and made 32 tackles. </p>
<p id="9nnlpj">It’s clear that when NU pressures the quarterback more, it creates both more consistent and better play from all levels of the defense. Now, the Houston native is the number one pass rusher, and if he can regain his form of his first two campaigns, a tandem of him and Earnest Brown could keep opposing quarterbacks up at night.</p>
<p id="mEadyw"><strong>Mac Stone (NR)</strong></p>
<p id="OIMxi7">Miller is without a doubt a very talented player, but with the defensive line returning all of their talent aside from Gaziano, I don’t know if he’s top 10 worthy.</p>
<p id="XYsvhX">Pass rush is important, yes, but considering the talent that this Northwestern defense has, some of the weight to stand out is lifted off of Miller’s shoulders.</p>
<p id="a6FavF">There’s no arguing against his stats and he should be in for a monster year, barring any injury. Additionally, with Miller stepping into the role of the #1 pass rusher, he’ll be on the radar of opposing teams, potentially opening the door for <span>Earnest Brown IV</span> to have a big season as well.</p>
<p id="AZymDo">Like I said, there’s no arguing against the stats. With the depth this defensive line has, however, Miller’s impact and overall importance could be limited.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/28/21306115/northwestern-samdup-miller-earnest-brown-joe-gazianoEli KarpMac Stone2020-06-27T14:52:41-05:002020-06-27T14:52:41-05:00Northwestern football’s most important players — #7: Riley Lees
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hQvAekbKIoDcczkewdcea6DIbLw=/0x0:3216x2144/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66991478/usa_today_13641382.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Could we see a Flynn Nagel-like senior season for the slot receiver?</p> <p id="FLBMyX"><em>As summer gets underway and we get closer (hopefully!) to college football’s return, Inside NU is carrying on an annual tradition by counting down the players our staff has judged as most important to the team’s success in the coming season.</em></p>
<p id="2Ky9Ui"><em>The definition of importance in this setting is, of course, up for interpretation, but that just makes this exercise all the more intriguing and, potentially, revealing. If you want to check out last year’s list, follow </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2019/6/10/18659061/northwestern-football-top-10-most-important-players-for-2019-preview-hunter-johnson-joe-gaziano"><em><strong>this link</strong></em></a><em>, and if you need a refresher on our overall rankings this time around, click on </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/22/21298361/northwestern-footballs-top-10-most-important-players-for-2020-overall-rankings-wildcats-quarterback"><em><strong>this one</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="lqRbgG"><em>For each placement on the list, we’ve enlisted two of our writers to debate the merits of the player and their ranking. Next up, we’re taking a closer look at Northwestern’s leading receiver (by a long shot) in 2019 who will step into an even larger role in his senior season — </em><span><em>Riley Lees</em></span><em>.</em></p>
<p id="qliCTq"><strong>Lia Assimakopoulos (5)</strong></p>
<p id="ZzuGhS">Lees will hold a significant position again on the Wildcat offense this year, just like he did last season. After Bennett Skowronek sustained a season-ending injury in September, the then-junior was forced into a much bigger role as the team’s primary receiver the rest of the way.</p>
<p id="vmtLP3">Now with Skowronek at Notre Dame, Lees will maintain that no. 1 receiver position in his senior year and must produce in order to jumpstart a Northwestern offense that needs it. </p>
<p id="en9ODG">Last year, he recorded a team-high 51 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded career-highs with seven receptions against Nebraska and 59 yards against Wisconsin. In his sophomore season in 2018, he caught four touchdown passes. </p>
<p id="DrTJYQ">Lees led all receivers by a long shot. He recorded 30 more receptions than any other wide receiver, logged 200 more yards and accounted for a third of the team’s receiving touchdowns. If Northwestern had a more productive season offensively and if the quarterbacks performed better, he would likely have put up much higher numbers. </p>
<p id="DWqnaI">Ultimately, Lees will again play a large role in 2020 and must produce significantly produce to carry the receiving corps. If the quarterbacking can improve this season, Lees and his receivers will be crucial to the team’s success.</p>
<p id="X5EDZk"><strong>Mac Stone (5)</strong></p>
<p id="UBvB9q">Much like Lia, I also had Lees in my fifth spot. With Skowronek gone, Lees will 100 percent be the no. 1 wide receiver on the ‘Cats depth chart, barring any injuries.</p>
<p id="jACS8B">While the offense was abysmal last year, Lees was a bright spot (see the stats Lia mentioned above). Additionally, the rising senior has seen a consistent increase in production over his first three years, which certainly indicates that big things could be on the horizon.</p>
<p id="JJraib">With a new offense coming in, along with a new quarterback, Lees is the player to watch in the receiving corps this year. He should have some help from the likes of RCB and <span>Kyric McGowan</span>, as well as from the tight end spot, but it seems likely that Lees will lead the team in receptions when it’s all said and done. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2020/6/27/21303086/northwestern-riley-lees-wide-receiverLia AssimakopoulosMac Stone