Northwestern’s youth movement continues. The defense that takes the field Saturday at Ryan Field against No. 14 Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will have two true freshmen in the lineup.
Safety Brendan Smith joined end Corey Wootton for the Sept. 24 loss to Penn State, and Smith celebrated his 20th birthday by getting in on a team-high nine tackles.
“He’s been getting better every week,” defensive coordinator Greg Colby said. “He still makes some freshman mistakes, but he’s usually in the right place, and he makes plays.”
Smith played a fifth year of high school football at New Hampton (N.H.) Prep.
“It was my goal to start as soon as possible,” he said.
Also starting on defense is redshirt freshman end Kevin Mims, who was credited with a quarterback hurry against Penn State. “He’s getting better,” coach Randy Walker said.
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Next: Saturday vs. Wisconsin, 11 a.m., TV: TBA