NU receivers hope offense catches on
When quarterback instability turned Northwestern's playbook into a leaflet last season, no group suffered more than the wide receivers.
With the offense reduced to rudimentary run plays, Northwestern completed only 9 passes of 20 yards or longer in the first seven games. A year earlier, NU had 26 such pass plays in the same time frame.
But after more than doubling the output of long passes in the final five games last season (21 receptions of 20 yards or longer), the Wildcats' wideouts are determined not to be left out again.
"We have a lot of freedom to go out and make plays," senior Tonjua Jones said. "Last year, it was tough, but we can change the perception of our offense."
Despite a season-ending arm injury to Andrew Brewer, the wideouts have the depth, diversity and experience for a big-play revival behind quarterback C.J. Bacher.
The Wildcats, who open their season Saturday against Northeastern, have a proven slot receiver in junior Eric Peterman, who caught two of the team's three longest passes (52 and 47 yards) last season.
Junior Rasheed Ward can play both the slot and outside receiver, and NU has multiple options on the perimeter with Ross Lane, Kim Thompson, Jones and freshman Sidney Stewart. The injury-plagued Thompson had two receptions of 50-plus yards in 2005, and Lane has averaged 14.4 yards per catch in his first two seasons.
"We have fast guys -- guys that can jump, guys that can do both, guys that can throw (like Peterman, a former high school quarterback)," Jones said. "Definitely a lot of diversity."
The receivers also have size, somewhat of a novelty at Northwestern, which has featured smaller receivers like Sam Simmons, Jon Schweighardt and Mark Philmore in recent years. Thompson, Jones and Lane all stand 6-2 or taller and can out-jump defenders.
"I've always dealt with having to catch or deflect," said Lane, a soccer goalie in high school. "The main thing is seeing it, judging it and getting to it as fast as possible."
Rees suspended: As expected, starting center Trevor Rees will serve a one-game suspension Saturday. Rees was charged with misdemeanor DUI following an April arrest and pleaded guilty in July to a reduced charge of reckless driving.
Northwestern will slide left guard Adam Crum into the center spot and start Desmond Taylor or walk-on Keegan Grant at guard. Crum, who backed up Rees before becoming a starting guard late last season, has been practicing at center.
Starting right guard Joel Belding will be the backup center Saturday.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald said Wildcats players knew of Rees' suspension before training camp but still voted the senior a captain. Rees will stay with the team Friday night and be on the sidelines Saturday.
"I accept my responsibility and the actions taken," Rees said. "I'll do what I can from the sideline."
Inches to go: Starting strong safety Brendan Smith (shoulder) will be held out of contact drills this week in practice but remains a game-time decision for Saturday. … Junior Prince Kwateng will make his first career start Saturday at strong-side linebacker. … Pat Fitzgerald said freshman cornerback Jordan Mabin (shoulder) has been cleared for contact drills and will be evaluated at practice this week. … Because of a Cubs conflict, Saturday's WGN radio broadcast will be aired on WCPT 850-AM.
Taking a pass
Here's a look at Northwestern's big passing plays the last two seasons:
Completions 2005 2006
20 yds or more 42 30*
30 yds or more 12 10
40 yds or more 7 3
50 yds or more 4 1
60 yds or more 2 0
*21 came in final five games