Fitz says up to 11 true freshman may play this year (including 4 WRs)

[TejasCat]

Wow, is this good news or bad news? Sounds like he is really impressed with this year's incoming freshman class, but what does that say about the guys ahead of them? I assume we'll get names shortly.

Dave Revsine‏@BTNDaveRevsine
Pat Fitzgerald just named 11 true freshmen who he thinks could play this season - 4 WR's

 

[Hungry Jack]

Wow. That's interesting.

Short is out for the season, and it's a pretty fair bet that none of the OL frosh will play (Otterman, Lemke, Thomas). It's hard to imagine Yates playing, assuming he is switching positions. That leaves 15 schollies, and whatever walk-ons might be inplay.

 

[shakes3858]

Wow, is this good news or bad news? Sounds like he is really impressed with this year's incoming freshman class, but what does that say about the guys ahead of them? I assume we'll get names shortly.

Dave Revsine‏@BTNDaveRevsine
Pat Fitzgerald just named 11 true freshmen who he thinks could play this season - 4 WR's

If these 11 guys play as well as Justin Jackson did last year, I'm feeling like we'll be winning a national championship.

These are the guys I expected to see.
Jelani Roberts punt return
Flynn Nagel Slot WR
Jordan Thompson DT
Nathan Fox MLB

 

[shakes3858]

Wow. That's interesting.

Short is out for the season, and it's a pretty fair bet that none of the OL frosh will play (Otterman, Lemke, Thomas). It's hard to imagine Yates playing, assuming he is switching positions. That leaves 15 schollies, and whatever walk-ons might be inplay.

Or this is Fitz talking to motivate older guys.

 

[SmellyCat]

Or this is Fitz talking to motivate older guys.

I feel like it's a little bit of both - some (maybe even MANY) freshmen will play, but Fitz is basically just saying to his upperclassmen to not assume anything. I like this.

 

[phatcat]

If these 11 guys play as well as Justin Jackson did last year, I'm feeling like we'll be winning a national championship.

These are the guys I expected to see.
Jelani Roberts punt return
Flynn Nagel Slot WR
Jordan Thompson DT
Nathan Fox MLB

Revsine did say "4 WR" so the other two WR's must also be on the current 'watch list'

On the other list, who probably WON"T play, I cannot imagine an RB, DB or Yates playing without a lot of injuries.

 

[shakes3858]

Revsine did say "4 WR" so the other two WR's must also be on the current 'watch list'

On the other list, who probably WON"T play, I cannot imagine an RB, DB or Yates playing without a lot of injuries.

Could 1 or more of the DBs play WR? Don't think we have room for them at DB unless it's a "DB" playing special teams. Harris, VanHoose, Henry, Igwebuike, Westphal, Quiero, McShephard

 

[hdhntr1]

Revsine did say "4 WR" so the other two WR's must also be on the current 'watch list'

On the other list, who probably WON"T play, I cannot imagine an RB, DB or Yates playing without a lot of injuries.

That is sort of a scary number. One or two would be expected but4? That means a lot of injuries or under performance of guys in the system. It also means that we would be trotting out guys that are not well versed in Down Field Blocking

 

[Aging Booster]

Could 1 or more of the DBs play WR? Don't think we have room for them at DB unless it's a "DB" playing special teams. Harris, VanHoose, Henry, Igwebuike, Westphal, Quiero, McShephard

I do not see us burning a shirt for a special teams player (unless he is a kicker, which is not in this class) or for someone not in the two deep. The WR can only help us - a real need.

 

[corbi296]

Two star Glades special and McManis clone, Montre Hartage, getting props from Revsine. Called him "impressive".

 

[GOUNUII]

That is sort of a scary number. One or two would be expected but4? That means a lot of injuries or under performance of guys in the system. It also means that we would be trotting out guys that are not well versed in Down Field Blocking

We have gaping holes in our WR recruiting with exactly 1 WR (Wilson) and 1 hybrid slot WR/RB (Vault) in the sophomore and junior classes. Really feeling the loss of Fuezzel and the kid from Ohio who decommitted and then went AWOL two years ago. To make matters worse, only McHugh has shown even a pulse at WR in the senior class. That's 3 straight WR classes with very little to show for it. OUCH!!!!!
So the 5th year guys and true freshmen don't have a lot of competition. It's much more of a numbers/recruiting issue IMHO. The 5th year guys (C. Jones, M. Shuler, P.Y-Ary and C. Dickerson) are going to have to perform or the true freshmen are essentially next in line. Freshmen being what they are, I hope we see our RBs and SBs/TEs more involved in the passing game to help fill the void.

GOUNUII

 

[phatcat]

That is sort of a scary number. One or two would be expected but4? That means a lot of injuries or under performance of guys in the system. It also means that we would be trotting out guys that are not well versed in Down Field Blocking

I just looked at the roster on NUsports.com and there are 22 WR's on the roster. 22...

I think if you take away Christian Jones and Cam D, I am pretty sure the rest of them cumulatively have less than 100 career receptions. Cam D himself has only 44 even with all of the PT he's had. So it isn't like the Frosh would be discplacing these grizzled vets. After Vitale, CJ and Dickerson, there is a lot of inexperience, although I cannot gauge how many 'blocks' the others have made.

Unless we will be a 250+ ypg rushing team (possible), we need to get more than these three guys in the 40+ receptions category. idk if it is a frosh or a returning guy(s)

 

[Turk]

Imo roberts is for sure to burn his shirt.Nagel most likely. Charlie, yates, and the kid from north illinois have a chance i guess but prolly unlikely.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Could 1 or more of the DBs play WR? Don't think we have room for them at DB unless it's a "DB" playing special teams. Harris, VanHoose, Henry, Igwebuike, Westphal, Quiero, McShephard

I am stoked if we actually have 11 ready to go that are not forced on the field due to injuries. The guys who play first year are almost always significant contributors when they are upper class man.

We only had 4 WR's in the class last year, so without position changes, all would burn a shirt. This wouldn't be that shocking in that we haven't gotten a lot of production from the non-seniors. I am hearing good things about this WR group. If a DB goes to WR it would seem to be Trae Williams or Steven Reese. We took 5 DB's last year, so if none of them play, and Short is already out for the season, we are basically down to the OL red shirting and pretty much everyone else plays.

I think a surprise guy could be Moton. He is coming in behind some depth, but he looks the part of a guy who can help soon.

 

[Turk]

Moton is solid. Reese is a possibility and he could be moved. As far as returnees, vault will line up at wr, and AC is decent, along with our starters.

 

[TejasCat]

Some more thoughts from Dienhart on today's practice

http://btn.com/2015/08/17/5-things-tom-dienhart-learned-at-northwestern-practice/

 

[NJCat83588]

Some more thoughts from Dienhart on today's practice

http://btn.com/2015/08/17/5-things-tom-dienhart-learned-at-northwestern-practice/

What's with these guys going to class??? You'd think Oliver would have graduated by now!

 

[NJCat83588]

Some more thoughts from Dienhart on today's practice

http://btn.com/2015/08/17/5-things-tom-dienhart-learned-at-northwestern-practice/

Best news? This from Dienhart:

"When we attended Camp Kenosha last year, there were an alarming number of players out with injury. That wasn’t the case this year. Only a handful of players were out with injury. And no key ones missed with injury. "

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Revsine did say "4 WR" so the other two WR's must also be on the current 'watch list'

On the other list, who probably WON"T play, I cannot imagine an RB, DB or Yates playing without a lot of injuries.

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that Flynn Nagel is going to be in the top five at career receptions at NU before his career is over. Good route runner, great hands, and the perfect fit for the type of spread offense that McCall likes to employ. I think his last minute switch to NU before Signing Day was an absolutely huge development.

 

[lonestarmvp]

I am stoked if we actually have 11 ready to go that are not forced on the field due to injuries. The guys who play first year are almost always significant contributors when they are upper class man.

We only had 4 WR's in the class last year, so without position changes, all would burn a shirt. This wouldn't be that shocking in that we haven't gotten a lot of production from the non-seniors. I am hearing good things about this WR group. If a DB goes to WR it would seem to be Trae Williams or Steven Reese. We took 5 DB's last year, so if none of them play, and Short is already out for the season, we are basically down to the OL red shirting and pretty much everyone else plays.

I think a surprise guy could be Moton. He is coming in behind some depth, but he looks the part of a guy who can help soon.

While it is impressive to see so many freshmen in the mix for playing time, it should also be concerning to the fanbase that players are not developing in this program at key positions. It sounds like DB and RB are stocked with young talent which is a good sign but OL and WR talent is falling behind. Very few teams win many games by depending on true freshmen to carry the load. The young talent will struggle early as they adjust to the competition at this level but should become more comfortable as the season progresses which is a good sign for 2016 and beyond. The position depth at RB seems to be a strength for NU but may also be a curse long term. Although the saying is that "you can never have too many good RB's", going 4 deep behind Jackson means that the coaches will need to find ways to incorporate them into the return game, specifically on Kick-off return. Vault, Anderson and Moten appear to be the best fit as they all have good straight line speed with Moten probably having the fastest 100M. Regardless of the Fitz mantra of players, formations and plays, you just won't have enough touches for 5 backs if all healthy. I expect someone to shift positions or out by seasons end.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Moton is solid. Reese is a possibility and he could be moved. As far as returnees, vault will line up at wr, and AC is decent, along with our starters.

I always thought the plan was to move to Reese to WR full-time (he played both ways in HS).

I believe Trae Williams is moving to CB. I actually like his tape as a HS RB

While it is impressive to see so many freshmen in the mix for playing time, it should also be concerning to the fanbase that players are not developing in this program at key positions. It sounds like DB and RB are stocked with young talent which is a good sign but OL and WR talent is falling behind. Very few teams win many games by depending on true freshmen to carry the load. The young talent will struggle early as they adjust to the competition at this level but should become more comfortable as the season progresses which is a good sign for 2016 and beyond. The position depth at RB seems to be a strength for NU but may also be a curse long term. Although the saying is that "you can never have too many good RB's", going 4 deep behind Jackson means that the coaches will need to find ways to incorporate them into the return game, specifically on Kick-off return. Vault, Anderson and Moten appear to be the best fit as they all have good straight line speed with Moten probably having the fastest 100M. Regardless of the Fitz mantra of players, formations and plays, you just won't have enough touches for 5 backs if all healthy. I expect someone to shift positions or out by seasons end.

I don't see the playing time issues at running back. JJ and AA are very likely the co-starters, IMO. Plenty of room for both. Long is the hammer back and a good change of pace.

Vault will get some reps at RB but he was recruited as a WR and I think he will be used more in that role, as well as returns. Moten is return depth at this point.

 

[purple11]

Best news? This from Dienhart:

"When we attended Camp Kenosha last year, there were an alarming number of players out with injury. That wasn’t the case this year. Only a handful of players were out with injury. And no key ones missed with injury. "

What's with these guys going to class??? You'd think Oliver would have graduated by now!

Christian and Zack DID graduate in JUNE - they are working on their masters !!! .... and actually going to class. Apparently the professor did not care that they were in Kenosha.

Go Cats !

 

[Deeringfish]

I don't see this quote meaning that there are 11 guys in the mix. I see this as Fitz saying that there are 11 guys who could go out if the cats needed them. Conversely it could mean that the rest of the guys are not B1G ready under any circumstance.

 

[hdhntr1]

We have gaping holes in our WR recruiting with exactly 1 WR (Wilson) and 1 hybrid slot WR/RB (Vault) in the sophomore and junior classes. Really feeling the loss of Fuezzel and the kid from Ohio who decommitted and then went AWOL two years ago. To make matters worse, only McHugh has shown even a pulse at WR in the senior class. That's 3 straight WR classes with very little to show for it. OUCH!!!!!
So the 5th year guys and true freshmen don't have a lot of competition. It's much more of a numbers/recruiting issue IMHO. The 5th year guys (C. Jones, M. Shuler, P.Y-Ary and C. Dickerson) are going to have to perform or the true freshmen are essentially next in line. Freshmen being what they are, I hope we see our RBs and SBs/TEs more involved in the passing game to help fill the void.

GOUNUII

Like I said, scary that we have to rely on them so much. It will help next year but this year, it worries me. WR is one of the spots that burning a shirt is generally OK but 4 in one class means the last couple years are even worse than we thought

 

[NJCat83588]

Christian and Zack DID graduate in JUNE - they are working on their masters !!! .... and actually going to class. Apparently the professor did not care that they were in Kenosha.

Go Cats !

I love this quote from Pat after today's practice:

“Let me know when this gets bad,” Fitzgerald said. “You get your undergraduate at Northwestern. You get to compete and play for Big Ten championships and play Big Ten football, use our mentor program and our development that we have professionally, and then in your fifth year, go to Kellogg and get a master’s. This is a game-changer for us.”

 

[lonestarmvp]

I always thought the plan was to move to Reese to WR full-time (he played both ways in HS).

I believe Trae Williams is moving to CB. I actually like his tape as a HS RB


I don't see the playing time issues at running back. JJ and AA are very likely the co-starters, IMO. Plenty of room for both. Long is the hammer back and a good change of pace.

Vault will get some reps at RB but he was recruited as a WR and I think he will be used more in that role, as well as returns. Moten is return depth at this point.

Hungry Jack, you may be right. I happen to believe that you guys have enough talent at this key position to actually make a difference this season. But your coaches HAVE to find a way to use all the talent available. I like how Oregon will use their backup RB's in the slot and Kick and Punt returns. I think this position group compares favorably to others in the conference (based on talent). With the a mobile QB that can throw, you have a really good chance, especially if the OL can hold up.

 

[DonatelloCat]

I don't see this quote meaning that there are 11 guys in the mix. I see this as Fitz saying that there are 11 guys who could go out if the cats needed them. Conversely it could mean that the rest of the guys are not B1G ready under any circumstance.

I believe that Fitz has said in the past that they let freshmen know pretty early on if they're a candidate to play as a true freshman based on how things look in camp. . . . but I think you're right that it doesn't necessarily mean that all will burn the shirt.

 

[Turk]

Long is not necessarily just a change of pace back. He is going to carry the pill alot and he could be a feature back on most bigten teams. I cant see Anderson as anything other than spelling jackson unless we go to some two back sets.

Vault is at wr "pretty much". And yates would be interesting at wr as i dont think he will stick at QB past kenosha. Trent Greens son has a much better arm and was born to be a qb...and my hunch is that he will get a scholarship at some point and be a very dependable backup.

 

[Turk]

And if there is one freshman that will burn his shirt, it will be the electrifying Roberts. His possible presence on special teams will utilize his 4.25 speed that blazes past all other speed demons on our team. Like all freshman, its a learning experience but my money is on him to not only burn a shirt but have a very big impact at least on special teams. Not sure if we have ever gad a player with his capabilities and potential on KOR.

 

[DkeCat]

Wow, is this good news or bad news? Sounds like he is really impressed with this year's incoming freshman class, but what does that say about the guys ahead of them? I assume we'll get names shortly.

Dave Revsine‏@BTNDaveRevsine
Pat Fitzgerald just named 11 true freshmen who he thinks could play this season - 4 WR's

Guys - can say with pretty high certainty that this is was meant to be motivational to those that believe they have spots today, but still need to fight.

However, I do think 5 or so have a good shot to see time.

 

[Turk]

Like I said, scary that we have to rely on them so much. It will help next year but this year, it worries me. WR is one of the spots that burning a shirt is generally OK but 4 in one class means the last couple years are even worse than we thought

Certainly you have a point about blocking assignments and freshmen.

 

[corbi296]

Guys - can say with pretty high certainty that this is was meant to be motivational to those that believe they have spots today, but still need to fight.

However, I do think 5 or so have a good shot to see time.

Completely agree. This is more motivational than anything. With the exception of a couple positions, we have too much depth with returning players to play 11 freshmen. WR and LB are the positions where freshmen may make an impact. My money is on Nagel, Fessler and Vitale.

Reese was recruited as a Safety. I doubt they move him off of that position.

 

[mikewebb68]

Gerry Dinardos' tweet on the same topic. A bit more descriptive:

BTN Bus Tour #Northwestern - Looks like as many as 10-12 frosh could contribute. Hartage, Mayo,Murray,Moten,Roberts,Green,Nagel,Fessler etc.

 

[Turk]

Imo that order would go Roberts; fessler: nagel: green.
i know everyone including me would like the idea of nagel being exceptional but fessler has a chance. I quicker Ross Lane who catches everything.

 

[Purple is Forever]

Moten and Fessler are having a solid camp thus far.

 

[corbi296]

I said it before and I'll stick by it. Based off of HS tape Fessler was the best WR we recruited in last year's class. I would be surprised if he doesn't play this year along with Nagel. I'd be surprised if Roberts plays. He'd have to be the best option in the return game in order to justify burning his shirt and I find it hard to believe he is that much better than Vault. Roberts needs some time in the weight room to get stronger. I think if he played this year at his weight he would struggle staying healthy.

 

[corbi296]

Hartage is the first guy mentioned by several of these guys. Must be making quite an impression. I'm not surprised because I really liked his tape. Barring injuries, I just don't see him burning his shirt this year. Just too much quality depth at the CB position. His emergence certainly bodes well for the future of the CB position.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Hartage is the first guy mentioned by several of these guys. Must be making quite an impression. I'm not surprised because I really liked his tape. Barring injuries, I just don't see him burning his shirt this year. Just too much quality depth at the CB position. His emergence certainly bodes well for the future of the CB position.

Interesting that Hartage, Mayo, and Murray are early mentions as Kenosha frosh standouts. These guys did not light up the recruiting boards, but I have always thought our staff could find 2-star gems out of necessity.

Murray's self-reported "combine" numbers are freakish: 4.42, 39" vertical, 4.18 shuttle, 11.08 100, 285 press. You have to take these with a grain of salt, but athleticism like that would be hard to ignore.

I like Hartage if for no other reason he is from Georgia (Reese too), which is an area we are trying to (re) develop for recruiting. Mayo is from the same school as Roberts. Vault and Meyler are also from the DC area. It's great to have a presence up and down the eastern seaboard. Now about Florida...

 

[NJCat83588]

Interesting that Hartage, Mayo, and Murray are early mentions as Kenosha frosh standouts. These guys did not light up the recruiting boards, but I have always thought our staff could find 2-star gems out of necessity.

Murray's self-reported "combine" numbers are freakish: 4.42, 39" vertical, 4.18 shuttle, 11.08 100, 285 press. You have to take these with a grain of salt, but athleticism like that would be hard to ignore.

I like Hartage if for no other reason he is from Georgia (Reese too), which is an area we are trying to (re) develop for recruiting. Mayo is from the same school as Roberts. Vault and Meyler are also from the DC area. It's great to have a presence up and down the eastern seaboard. Now about Florida...

Van Hoose in his Big 10 media day interview said Murray is going to be the next Brian Peters or Brad Phillips (I forget which). Pretty strong stuff for a true freshman.

 

[catcrazy]

All 2 stars!!