With the graduation of several notable ‘Cats from last year’s squad, who’s left to follow in their footsteps? North by Northwestern takes a look at a few familiar faces, and a number of newcomers ready to step up this season.
OFFENSE
Familiar Face
Drake Dunsmore, junior SB
Probably the most heralded Wildcat in preseason considerations, Drake Dunsmore leads all returning players in receptions, yards and touchdowns and is considered one of the best tight ends in the nation. In August, Dunsmore was one of 32 okayers named to this season’s John Mackey Award watch list, an award given annually to the college football’s best tight end. Coming off major neck surgery and one year removed from returning from a torn ACL surgery, a big question will be if his condition has finally stabilized. As long as the Kansas native is on the field, expect overwhelming numbers this fall.
The New Guy
Drew Moulton, redshirt freshman WR
A relatively unknown commodity out of Michigan, Moulton had sleeper status coming out of high school and is currently slotted as the backup to senior WR Sidney Stewart after redshirting last year. Coaches were impressed enough to offer him a scholarship after one camp visit. If past history is any indication, expect the shotgun spread scheme to dish out balls left and right. This season will tell if the confidence was worth it.
DEFENSE
Familiar Face
Corbin Bryant, senior DT
Dogged by injuries throughout his career, the senior captain Bryant will lead a new-look defensive line this season, after the graduation of three starters. With so much transition in the lineman corps, it will be on Bryant and fellow returnee Vince Browne to maintain the ship for the season’s length and anchor the defense.
The New Guy
Jared Carpenter, sophomore SS
Though not an entirely fresh face – Carpenter was one of the beneficiaries of the oft-injured safety duo Brendan Smith and Brad Phillips last year – this will be the first season for him in the starter’s role. Questions about whether or not he and his fellow safety Brian Peters can reach a reasonable level of success will continue if he struggles out of the gate.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Familiar Face
Stefan Demos, senior PK
No one in last year’s college football season could have epitomized the fickle nature of football fans better than the star-crossed Demos. Lauded and praised for game-winners against Eastern Michigan and Indiana, the latter of which capped off the greatest comeback in school history, he was later vilified for his hubristic and fated performance in the Outback Bowl last year. Yet, his performances all season point to a sure-handed and seldom inconsistent kicker, and that positive trend should continue this season without his punting duties.
The New Guys
Brandon Williams, redshirt freshman P
A sigh of relief in the form of the Indiana native, Williams is expected to keep opposing offenses uncomfortable with an improved punting game. Last year, Northwestern’s showing was abysmal — ranked 119 out of 120 Division I-A schools. Reports from camp indicate a 40 plus yards per punt average, a solid jump from 35 last year.
Venric Mark, true freshman WR/PR
The ultimate grab bag and X-factor this season will come from the freshman speedster out of Texas. Currently ranked as the No. 2 punt returner, many believe that it’ll only be a matter of time before he handles the majority of returns. Provided the other 10 special teamers can stand their ground, the memories of forced touch-backs and drives starting at the 20 yard line will be forgotten at the hands of Mark.