NU 2006 Preview! Part III

In the final part of the general season preview, we get to perhaps the most intriguing side of the 2006 Wildcats. There are reasons to be excited: Tyrell Sutton and Ross Lane with a year of experience under their belts; a possible power running game with junior Frayne Abernathy. There are important questions to be answered: Which QB will lead the offense? Who will be the primary receiver? Will the veteran O-line hold up all season?

More after the jump.

I'll work my way out and back from the snap, this time.

Line'em up!: For 2006, Northwestern has its most experienced offensive line in years. While they're a little lighter than in the past, they still have an average weight of 301 pounds. The loss of OT Zach Strief will be tough, but he is replaced by junior Austin Matthews. Rounding out the line should be juniors Dylan Thiry (OT) and Trevor Rees (C) and senior OGs Ryan Keenan and Joe Tripodi. If the line stays healthy, it should offer good protection to whichever QB gets the nod. Indications are that last year's center, now a sophomore, Joe Belding will also see time.

Can You Hear Me Now?: Get it? It's about reception? So here's where I'm gonna talk about receivers. Ohhhhhhhh. Out wide, one hopes that Shaun Herbert keeps up his pace from last year when he led the team in yards and catches. In fact, every player that caught a pass for NU last year is returning this year, except for Fields an Philmore. I expect that Ross Lane and Kim Thompson will have good years and continue to improve. The biggest questions here are junior Tonjua Jones and FB/TE Erryn Cobb. Those two, with the other three mentioned, could make up a nice quintet of 6'-1"+ targets from the QB.

You say Tyrell. I say Terrell: Apparently, all of the RBs are healthy through Camp Kenosha. Obviously, Sutton is the opening day starter. He's already earning national attention, so let's hope is legs (and hands) are up for the challenge. Hopefully we'll see 2-back formations with Sutton-Roberson, Sutton-Abernathy or Sutton-Jordan with some frequency this year, which can only help Tyrell. It is likely that Nathan Shanks, Omar Conteh and Gerard Hamlett will only see special teams work.

The $64,000 Question: What's that position that gets the ball every play from the center? The spinning fullback? Well, whatever, that's the last one to cover here. First, let me say that I believe Coach Fitzgerald has made this decision already, and I think we'll hear about it before the end of the week. Now, here's my prediction: Mike Kafka as starter, with C.J. Bachér as his backup. I wouldn't be surprised to see both, or even all three, in the first couple games of the year.