Northwestern remains confident in its defensive line
For 53 games stretched out over a half-decade, Corey Wootton stood out as an inescapable fixture as Northwestern's left defensive end.
It was impossible to ignore him, what with the No. 99 jersey and 6-foot-7 frame and the "real special one" tag pinned to him by late NU coach Randy Walker before Wootton made his debut.
He became a 2008 first-team all-Big Ten choice and a 2009 Playboy preseason all-America pick. He intercepted 4 passes and blocked 4 kicks and piled up 191/2 sacks before moving on to the Bears.
And now, it's time for redshirt junior Kevin Watt to fill Wootton's shoes.
Watt, by the way, was still serving as a 215-pound power forward for Glenbard West High School when Wootton wrapped up his redshirt freshman year at NU.
Watt, whose younger brother, Chris, is in the mix to start at guard for Notre Dame, laughed when asked about the pressure of following an NFL fourth-round pick.
"I'm proud I was able to have a great transition year this past year," said Watt, who made two Big Ten starts last year when Wootton's ankle hurt. "Corey, he's an awesome learning resource - pass-rush moves, ways to read the offensive line.
"I don't really feel that much pressure. I have a great coach and great people around me. Corbin (Bryant). Jack (DiNardo). Vince Browne."
Watt's words hit upon the likely story of the Wildcats' defensive line this year.
While Wootton and valuable defensive tackles Adam Hahn and Marshall Thomas have graduated, the NU coaches believe there are 8-10 players worthy of starters' snaps.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Watt joins Browne as the starting ends, though defensive line coach Marty Long says he considers redshirt sophomore Quentin Williams to be a starter as well.
"Kevin Watt's one of our best technicians," said Northwestern defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz. "One of our most disciplined players. Smart. I liken him to what Kevin Mims did in '08. Always in position. Made plays."
"But stronger and a little thicker, I think," Long said.
Hinsdale Central alum Jack DiNardo, who was pegged for big things last year before a preseason knee injury and a midseason shoulder problem, joins fifth-year senior Corbin Bryant at the starting tackles.
Bryant, who started all 13 games last year despite lugging around an injured knee, has flourished in preseason camp with a clean bill of health.
"Corbin Bryant has been extremely impressive," said NU left tackle Al Netter. "He's killing it out here."
The 6-4, 290-pound DiNardo, who has added 50 pounds since his senior year at Hinsdale Central, boasts the bloodlines as well as the desire to be great. His father, Larry, was an All-American lineman at Notre Dame in 1970. His more famous uncle, Gerry, followed suit in 1974.
"He's a tough, hard-nosed guy that's got a great work ethic," Hankwitz said. "Plays with a motor. Plays hard."
"I see him along the lines of a Hahn as a tough guy," Long said.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Scott, one of the best surprises in the spring, has nailed down the fourth defensive end spot - though Long remains sky-high on pass-rushing redshirt freshmen Anthony Battle and Davon Custis.
Redshirt junior Niko Mafuli and redshirt sophomore Brian Arnfelt are the backup tackles who will be a significant part of the rotation.
"I feel good about all these guys," Long said.