Jono Zarrilli: Charlie Kuhbander
I remember the moment vividly: I had just tuned in to Northwestern’s first game vs. Nevada, and new freshman kicker Charlie Kuhbander was set to kick a 21-yarder to put NU up 10-7.
Except he didn’t.
The ball sailed right and I screamed at my TV, wondering if Northwestern will ever have a reliable kicker. Now, my prayers have been answered. The high school phenom has yet to miss since September 2, going 26-26 on PATs and knocking in 8 field goals, 2 of which have been 40-yarders. Fitz says he now has complete confidence in Kuhbander, who (confidently) says he “never considers missing” a kick. Kuhbander has yet to be tested with a long field goal in a big moment – and those will determine his legacy – but at least I no longer break a sweat when a Northwestern kicker trots on the field, and for that, the freshman is responsible.
Meg Pisarczyk: Bennett Skowronek
Even though he saw some game time last year as a true freshman, Bennett Skowronek’s talents were never fully showcased as a second-stringer behind Austin Carr (in case you forgot, Austin Carr was really, really good). Now, the sophomore is a starting receiver and is second on the team in catches and first in receiving yards and touchdowns. Skowronek’s touchdown catch against Michigan State, thrown from Justin Jackson, probably showed up on your Facebook feed a dozen times in the past few days. He scored two other times in the Bowling Green game and has consistently been on the opposite end of Thorson’s long balls. Skowronek’s longest reception was 58 yards in the Bowling Green, but he’s also had 48 and 32-yard plays, showing he can fill the void of Solomon Vault as a deep threat for Thorson. Skowronek has 378 yards and three touchdowns so far on the season, and he’ll be a key element of the Wildcat offense going forward.
Duncan Agnew: Jeremy LarkinWhat can't @J_ManPrime21 do?
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 28, 2017
If you answered "throw a TD pass," you are wrong.@NUFBFamily takes the lead on the trick play. pic.twitter.com/jLJw0zbmQN
The redshirt freshman out of Cincinnati has had surprising success this season as Justin Jackson’s primary backup. His speed and ability to change direction quickly make him the perfect option coming off the bench, and his fresh legs frequently catch defenses off guard at key moments in games. Running behind Jackson, he has racked up 41 carries for 141 yards this season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry—only a tenth of a yard behind The Ball Carrier. Larkin has also been dangerous through the air, catching six passes for 75 yards. No play has been bigger than his 6-yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter against Iowa that gave Northwestern its first points on the way to a 17-10 victory over the Hawkeyes. He made an epic dive for the pylon, sparking a huge shift in momentum. Barring any injuries, he should lead the Wildcat rushing attack for years to come.
Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff: Paddy Fisher
To say Paddy Fisher has emerged this season as a contributor is putting it lightly. After forcing fumbles on two consecutive plays in the 3OT win against Michigan State, this guy is for real – and he’s got the stats to prove it. He had 17 total tackles against Michigan State and continues to plug up holes at linebacker, averaging nine tackles a game. After last week’s dominant performance, Fisher was named both the Big Ten and Walter Camp FBS Defensive Player of the Week. Middle linebacker was a (massive) question mark this season with the loss of former All-American Anthony Walker, Jr. to the NFL, but look for Fisher to continue making plays for a long time to come for the boys in purple.
Maxwell Lee: Nate Hall
Dear @NUFBFamily,
— Northwestern On BTN (@NUOnBTN) October 29, 2017
Loved the win yesterday. Our hearts wouldn't mind a less dramatic game, a non-OT one, in Week 10.
Sincerely,
Fans pic.twitter.com/v7aJ8uvwzz
Nate Hall had already been having a strong season when he secured the ‘Cats biggest victory of the year with his 3OT interception to end the game against Michigan State. Oh, and did I mention he did it just hours after he got 30 stitches in his hand? Hall has become a force to be reckoned with this season, seemingly everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s got the stats and tape to show it: He’s averaging nearly seven tackles per game, and he’s been one of the most effective defenders on the field for the ‘Cats this year. Against Penn State, Hall was named to Pro Football Focus’ all-B1G team. As a redshirt junior, Hall’s ascent might not be over, and his worksman attitude and toughness will hopefully continue his upward trajectory.
PFF Week 6 - B1G Team of the Week - Defense pic.twitter.com/4YnnyNPgJL
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 10, 2017
Charlie Sidles: Riley Lees
Two years ago Riley Lees was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Illinois. He tallied 4,452 total yards and led his high school to an undefeated regular season. After a redshirt year and a position change, he’s shown Northwestern fans that he can have the same game-changing ability even as a wide receiver and returner. Lees has caught 17 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns thus far. He has also handled the return duties (due to Solomon Vault’s injury) and leads the team in both kick and punt return yards. As he continues to work on his receiver-specific skillset, he could emerge as one of the conference’s elite pass catchers in the years to come.