As Northwestern strives to rebuild its defensive secondary, a major strength last season, help has come from an interesting source. The Wildcat offense has been throwing more during spring practice.
“I think it has helped us and coach (Gary) Barnett really has put an emphasis on throwing deep and testing us,” said defensive coordinator Ron Vanderlinden. “We really have to perform well to slow those guys down.”
Northwestern lost three of its four starting defensive backs, each of whom was at least honorable mention for conference accolades. Still, Vanderlinden said their replacements could form an even better unit.
Here’s how the depth chart is shaping up: Junior Mike Nelson will take over at free safety; senior Hudhaifa Ismaeli and junior Josh Barnes will fill the cornerback spots and senior Eric Collier will retain his role at strong safety. The biggest question, of course, remains experience.
“They have the ability, they just need to play smart,” said Vanderlinden, whose 1995 unit led the nation in scoring defense.
Another interesting addition to the secondary could be junior Faraji Leary, a speedy tailback who may play both ways. He currently is filling a backup role at safety, where the Wildcats lack some depth.
Junior Fred Wilkerson also could provide some help at cornerback, but he has been sidelined by a pulled hamstring for most of this spring. Said Vanderlinden, who noted Wilkerson is likely to see most of his action in nickel situations: “He needed the work, and that slowed us down.”
In another development, all three of the departed defensive backs have been signed by NFL teams as free agents. Chris Martin will work out with the Bears, Indianapolis picked up William Bennett and Miami grabbed Rodney Ray.
Still big time: Northwestern’s spring game Saturday will be televised live on SportsChannel at 1 p.m. Admission to the game, at Dyche Stadium, is free.