A return specialist prior to 2012, Venric Mark emerged as an offensive threat for the Wildcats last season (Photo: maizeandgoblue.com)
DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon
Once a perennial doormat in the Big Ten, the Northwestern Wildcats’ 10-3 record in 2012 was their best finish since 1995, when the school broke a 46 year long Rose Bowl drought. Since taking over the team in July of 2006 after the untimely death of Randy Walker, Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald has led the Wildcats to a 50-39 record and five straight bowl appearances. Last year’s 34-20 win over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl was Northwestern’s first bowl victory since 1949, and literally got the team’s monkey off its back. With newfound confidence the Wildcats will set their sights on a division championship and a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game. It may seem like a lofty goal for a school known more for academics and well-known alumni than for football, but the team does return a number of key contributors, especially on the offensive side of the ball. (Asterisk denotes underclassmen)
Kain Colter QB 6’0” 190 – Colter worked his way onto the field late in the 2010 season as a true freshman, and opened eyes with a 105 yard, two touchdown rushing performance in a bowl game loss to Texas Tech. An injury to starter Dan Persa forced Colter into the starting quarterback role at the outset of his sophomore year, but when Persa returned Colter remained prominent in the offense as a jack-of-all-trades weapon. He finished the 2011 season with 673 yards passing, 654 yards on the ground, and 466 yards on 43 receptions. Colter threw for six touchdowns, ran for nine, and caught three more. His overall performance earned him honorable mention for the All Big Ten team. Last season, Colter shared time under center with sophomore Trevor Siemian, but still set career highs with 872 yards and eight TDs passing, and 894 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing. He was given honorable mention for the All Big Ten team for the second year in a row. Colter is likely to share time at QB again this season, but his NFL opportunities will be based on his versatility. While he is not as dangerous an athlete as former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, Colter’s experience out of the backfield and as a receiver may get him a look in a similar role. He does not have Robinson’s electric speed, but Colter should run his forty in the 4.5 to 4.6 second range, and his quickness makes him dangerous in the open field. If Siemian can hold onto the reins at QB, expect to see Colter get more action as a pass catcher this season as he did two years ago. But regardless of where Fitzgerald lines up his senior athlete, Colter’s ability to play multiple positions will make him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Venric Mark RB 5’8” 175 – After primarily seeing action as a return specialist during his first two years at Northwestern, Mark was a breakout performer on offense as a junior in 2012. As the team’s starting running back he racked up 1366 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging just over six yards per carry. Mark, who had moved from receiver the previous year, topped 100 rushing yards in eight of his 13 starts last season, and chipped in 20 catches and a touchdown in the passing game. Along with his beefed up role on offense, Mark remained a valuable special teamer, averaging 18.7 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 15 punt returns. Despite his stature, Mark is a tough runner, but like Colter, his NFL value will be based on versatility. At least one well-respected website has already listed Mark among draft-eligible wide receivers, and it is likely some NFL teams view him as a potential threat out of the slot. He is incredibly quick and elusive in the open field, and should time well in the forty-yard dash. At the very least Mark’s return ability will get him a long look in an NFL camp next summer, but with another strong offensive season he could work his way into the middle rounds of the draft.
Tyler Scott DE 6’4” 265 – Like Mark, Scott broke out as a junior after two relatively quiet seasons. After redshirting in 2009, he was a backup his freshman season, and a part-time starter as a sophomore. Then, in 2012, Scott became the key member of the Wildcats’ defensive line, and was even named Northwestern’s defensive MVP. He finished the season with nine sacks among his 12.5 tackles for loss, forced three fumbles, and even batted down five passes. He was a force in the Gator Bowl win, picking up a pair of sacks and generally disrupting the Mississippi State backfield through much of the game. Scott is not a tremendous athlete, but is a high effort player with a knack for getting his hands on the football. He has added 45 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus and has gained a reputation as a monster in the weight room. Fitzgerald was pleased with his senior defensive end’s performance this past spring, and stated that Scott “is taking the next step.” If he can build on his strong junior campaign he will be tough to overlook next draft season.
Ibraheim Campbell SS* 5’11” 205 – Campbell was a three star recruit who chose Northwestern over Michigan State and Stanford, among others. After sitting out the 2010 season, he led the Wildcats with 100 tackles as a redshirt freshman. Last season Campbell finished with 89 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and 12 pass break ups. He was given honorable mention for the All Big Ten team by conference coaches and media. In addition to his improved playmaking, Campbell is a valued leader in the Northwestern secondary and was a member of the team’s 12-man Leadership Council as a redshirt sophomore. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining, but could emerge as a candidate to leave school early if he has another productive season.
Also keep an eye on: Kyle Prater WR* 6’5” 215 (USC transfer and former five star recruit), Trevor Siemian QB* 6’2” 210, Damien Proby ILB 6’0” 235