VOTE: Who was the best NU outside linebacker over the last 25 years?

[lou v]

We've got four standout OLBs on the ballot. First, read the WildcatReport story to refresh your memory about these guys' careers: Who was the best Northwestern outside linebacker over the last 25 years?

Then vote for your choice -- or write in your pick below -- for the title of best OLB over the last quarter century.

 

[NUCat320]

In the same game against Indiana in 1999, Harris had 23 tackles and Bentley had 25. Also, Levron Williams rushed for 231 years and Antwaan Randle-El scored three touchdowns, and NU lost 34-17.

(I interviewed him Randle-El on-field for WNUR after the game, but I’m fairly certain it didn’t air because of wireless mic issues.)

It was Kustok’s first start, but I can’t find a box score.

Consequently, it can’t be Po or KB.

My vote is for Hall, because he was a star, whereas Chi Chi was just really good. I’m a bit surprised that there aren’t other candidates, but no more stand out during the Hank era (going off memory only).

 

[lou v]

In the same game against Indiana in 1999, Harris had 23 tackles and Bentley had 25. Also, Levron Williams rushed for 231 years and Antwaan Randle-El scored three touchdowns, and NU lost 34-17.

(I interviewed him Randle-El on-field for WNUR after the game, but I’m fairly certain it didn’t air because of wireless mic issues.)

It was Kustok’s first start, but I can’t find a box score.

Consequently, it can’t be Po or KB.

My vote is for Hall, because he was a star, whereas Chi Chi was just really good. I’m a bit surprised that there aren’t other candidates, but no more stand out during the Hank era (going off memory only).

It's amazing how bad NU's defenses were during that period with all of the talent they had. Harris, Bentley, Missouri, Blackmon, Collins all played in the NFL (though Collins played OL in the league).

The other guy that I have serious consideration to was Nick Roach. But as I got into the research, his NU numbers just didn't stack up with the others. He was on his way to a great senior year in 2006 but broke his hip (I think it was) and missed the last four games. He was a very good player who eventually played in the NFL, but his NU impact just didn't match the others'. Blake Gallagher was another guy that I thought about. Another year, and he probably would've been on the ballot.

 

[phatcat]

Gotta go with Napo for one play only. We all know it. I nearly killed myself driving off the road listening to WGN. Still get chills

 

[MRCat95]

Napo played out of position most of his time @ NU despite being the best talent.

Nate Hall was the most complete OLB. Great player. Extremely consistent every down plus a big time timely play-maker.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

Has EvanstonCat made his proclamation yet? Inquiring minds want to know. 🤔

 

[lou v]

Napo played out of position most of his time @ NU despite being the best talent.

Nate Hall was the most complete OLB. Great player. Extremely consistent every down plus a big time timely play-maker.

I loved watching Nate Hall play. Such a smooth athlete. Long, rangy, fast and smart. He made everything look effortless.

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

If one play ever saved a game, or maybe a season, it was Napo in the Victory Right comeback game against Minnesota. The Cats were down and punted the ball and the Minnesota return guy was running for a sure td to put the game out of reach when Napo tracked him down and made the tackle to save the td. Our defense held and caused a fg attempt which was missed. Our offense got the ball and scored a td and we started rolling back culminating with Victory Right.

I remember this game in particular because I watched with a friend who is a Minny grad at his home. Victory Right was the culmination of the biggest comeback in NU history, facilitated by Napo’s td saving tackle which spurred the comeback.