Rick Osentoski- USA TODAY Sports
The Northwestern Wildcats were known as an offense that liked to throw the ball before last season. In 2012, the Wildcats transformed into a read-option-based attack which led Northwestern to its first bowl win in 64 years and the program’s first 10-win season since 1995. As a result, the Wildcats only threw for nearly 2,200 yards and their leading receiver had 412 yards, but don’t expect that to be a trend.
Northwestern has a lot of talented receivers who can spread the field both vertically and horizontally. Tony Jones and Rashad Lawrence are the speed demons on the outside who can torch defenses deep if they get enough separation. Christian Jones and Dan Vitale are more of the possession receivers although both have the speed to be a deep-threat if necessary. The wildcard of the group is Kyle Prater, who has the talent to make a large impact, but was still very new to the offense last season. Either way, there is a lot of talent in the wide receivers room in Evanston and you can expect them to make more of an impact next season.
The Wildcats definitely tipped their hand last season when they switched out Kain Colter for Trevor Siemian. Colter was more of the running threat and Siemian was more of the passer. However, this season the offense will be more unpredictable and the Wildcats will throw the ball more. That means both Colter and Siemian could top 1,000 yards passing in 2013 and although Northwestern may not have a 1,000 yard receiver next season, it does have a lot of weapons for it to utilize.
