Vote Now for the All-Fitz Team
7/9/2015 11:00:00 AM | Football
CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
EVANSTON, Ill. – As Northwestern head football coach Pat Fitzgerald prepares to begin his 10th season this fall as the leader of the Wildcats, NUsports.com wants to hear from our loyal fans to decide who has been the best of the best on the gridiron during his tenure to date.
We want to know who belongs on the All-Fitz Team, a compilation of the top players who have honorably donned the Purple and White since Fitzgerald's first season as the head coach of Chicago's Big Ten Team in 2006. In order to be eligible for the prestigious squad, players must be graduates of the program who played at least one season under Fitzgerald's guidance.
Who will decide on the All-Fitz Team? You the fans, of course! Voting opens on Thursday, July 9 with the ballot broken down by position. Voters can choose a quarterback, running back, superback/tight end, three wide receivers and five offensive linemen. On the other side of the ball, it will be four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks and two safeties. From the special teams units, voters will choose a kicker, a punter and two special teams standouts.
Fans can vote once per day. Upon registering to receive the ballot the first time, voters will be entered to win a customized Northwestern football jersey. Registration is only required once.
Each weekday between July 9-24, NUsports.com will highlight one position group for the All-Fitz Team. Voting closes on Friday, July 24 at 5 p.m. CDT. The All-Fitz Team will be unveiled during the week of July 27 as we lead up to Big Ten Media Days on July 30-31, and the start of the 2015 season.
Wide Receivers (Choose 3)
Andrew Brewer (2006-09)
Brewer began his Northwestern career as a quarterback but moved to wide receiver toward the end of his second season with the Wildcats. He caught nine touchdowns in 2009, which ranks as the second-highest single-season total at Northwestern. Brewer closed his career with nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards.
Jeremy Ebert (2008-11)
In 52 career games, with 35 starts, Ebert vaulted up Northwestern's record book, finishing third in program history with 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He became only the third Northwestern wide receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season, doing so in 2011. Ebert earned a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2010 and was a 2011 Biletnikoff candidate. He finished the 2011 season with Second Team All-Big Ten honors and played in the NFL from 2012-14.
Shaun Herbert (2003-06)
Herbert ranks fifth all-time at Northwestern in receptions (168) and sixth in yards (1,926). He was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2005 and began the 2006 season on the Biletnikoff Watch List.
Tony Jones (2010-14)
Jones caught 130 passes for 1,445 yards and 10 touchdowns in his Northwestern career. He hauled in a team-best 55 passes in 2013 and ranked sixth in the Big Ten that season with 4.6 receptions per game. Jones was a midseason addition to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Ross Lane (2005-08)
Lane played in 49 games with 38 starts, including 25 straight to finish his career and ranks fourth all-time at Northwestern in receiving yards (2,068) and seventh in touchdowns (13). Three of his 23 career touchdowns came in the final seconds of games. Lane led the team with seven touchdowns in 2007.
Rashad Lawrence (2010-13)
Lawrence started 30 of 51 career games during his time at Northwestern. He caught 96 passes for 1,165 yards and two touchdowns and had two 100-yard games, including the 2013 finale at Illinois. He set career highs in catches (8) and yards (149) vs. Ohio State in 2013.
Eric Peterman (2005-08)
Peterman made at least one catch in 29 straight games to end his career. He ranks fifth all-time at Northwestern in receiving yards (2,011) and eighth in touchdowns (12). Peterman led the team with 869 all-purpose yards in 2007 and was a 2008 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. He played in the NFL from 2009-10.
Kyle Prater (2012-14)
Prater caught 70 passes for 648 yards and two touchdowns in his 34-game Northwestern career. In 2014, he started all 11 games in which he played and led the team with 51 catches and 535 yards, ranking seventh in the Big Ten with 4.6 receptions per game during the regular season.
Zeke Markshausen (2007-09)
Markshausen etched his name in the single-season record books at Northwestern in 2009. He caught 91 passes, which stands as the second-best single-season mark in program history and had 858 receiving yards, good for 10th. Markshausen was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 and was named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-America team.
Rasheed Ward (2005-08)
Ward played in every collegiate game while he was at Northwestern and made 20 starts. He caught 126 passes for 1,271 yards and four touchdowns in his career. Ward ranked ninth in the Big Ten in receptions per game with 3.92 in 2008 and was named the Alamo Bowl's 2008 Sportsmanship Award recipient.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Cornerbacks (Choose 2)
Marquice Cole (2002-06)
Cole played in 43 career games for Northwestern and ranks 12th all-time in program history with seven interceptions. He picked off five passes in 2005, placing him fifth on the single season list at Northwestern. His efforts that year were good for a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. He was placed on the 2006 Thorpe Award Watch list and played in the NFL from 2007-14.
Jordan Mabin (2008-11)
Mabin played in 51 career games, starting 49 of them, and was a co-captain of the 2011 Northwestern squad. He led the Big Ten in pass breakups in 2010 and ranks fourth in school history with 24. Mabin is tied for 12th in Northwestern history with seven interceptions. He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selections in both 2010 and 2011 and has played in the NFL since 2012.
Sherrick McManis (2006-09)
McManis ranks seventh all-time at Northwestern with nine interceptions. His five INTs in 2009 led the Big Ten and ranked 8th nationally. He is seventh in the single-season Northwestern record book with 12 pass breakups in 2008. McManis was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2008 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2009. He was also named the Northwestern team MVP in 2009. McManis was invited to the 2010 East-West Shrine Game and has played in the NFL since 2010.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Special Teams Standouts (Choose 2)
Hunter Bates (2009-12)
Bates was a key contributor on special teams for four years. He recovered a key onside kick attempt at Illinois to help Northwestern secure a win and was named Northwestern's special teams player of the week for his efforts.
Phil Brunner (2006-08)
Brunner was the Northwestern long-snapper for three seasons. He was named to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society in 2008 and was a CoSIDA Academic All-America selection his senior season.
Bo Cisek (2009-12)
Cisek was the 2012 recipient of Northwestern's Thomas Airth Spirit Award, which is presented annually to the player whose spirit and enthusiasm is an inspiration to teammates and fans throughout the season. Cisek recorded two rushes on offense in the 4th quarter of a win over Illinois during his senior year.
Pat Hickey (2010-13)
Hickey handled long-snapping duties for Northwestern for three seasons and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. As the long-snapper in 2013, Hickey helped the Wildcats convert 23-of-25 field goal attempts and make 100 percent of PATs.
Venric Mark (2010-13)
Mark was Northwestern's offensive MVP in 2012 after putting up the second-best single-season all-purpose yards total in school history with 2,166. He was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top running back and was also a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. Mark was recognized with All-America Punt Returner honors after the 2012 season.
Jeravin Matthews (2008-11)
Matthews returned 27 kicks for 496 yards in 32 career games at Northwestern. He was one of two true freshmen (Jeremy Ebert) to play in 2008 and received the NGN Special Teams Newcomer of the Year award that after that season. Matthews played wide receiver, running back and defensive back during his Northwestern career.
John Henry Pace (2008-10)
Between 2009 and 2010, Pace played in 26 games for Northwestern.
Stephen Simmons (2007-10)
Simmons was a kickoff return specialist. He totaled 1,995 kick return yards on 84 returns during his Northwestern career. In 2007, he ran a kick back 99 yards for a touchdown against Ohio State. Simmons scored five career touchdowns and had 2,624 all-purpose yards.
Sherrick McManis (2006-09)
McManis is tied for seventh all-time at Northwestern in yards per kick return with 22.1. He has 59 career returns for 1,306 yards. McManis led the team in kickoff return yards in 2006 and 2007.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Offensive Line (Choose 5)
Doug Bartels (2008-11)
Bartels was a former walk-on who earned a scholarship in 2008 and started the final nine games of that season. He started 25 games and played in 48 total. Bartels was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and earned Academic All-District honors three times.
Joel Belding (2005-08)
Belding started 24 games and proved to be versatile, splitting time in 37 games between center and guard. The 2007 Northwestern offense led the Big Ten in yards.
Ben Burkett (2008-11)
Burkett made 52 consecutive starts at center and right guard in his Northwestern career. He was selected three times to the Rimington Trophy Watch List and was a 2011 Rotary Lombardi Award candidate.
Keegan Grant (2007-10)
Grant was a former walk-on who earned a scholarship in 2007. He played in 36 career games, starting 16 of them. Grant started 10 of 11 games as a senior in 2010.
Paul Jorgensen (2011-14)
Jorgensen appeared in 48 games and started 24 straight to finish his career. He played both right and left tackle for Northwestern. Jorgensen caught a touchdown pass in 2012 on a tackle-eligible play.
Ryan Keenan (2003-06)
Keenan began his Northwestern career as a right guard but switched to tackle in 2006, where he started all 12 games of the season. He was the team's 2006 strength and conditioning champion.
Keegan Kennedy (2005-08)
Kennedy came to Northwestern as a defensive tackle but flourished after switching to the offensive line. He started all 13 games at guard in 2008 and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Kennedy was also named to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Society.
Brian Mulroe (2009-12)
Mulroe was a three-year starter for Northwestern from 2010-12 but made his first career start in the Outback Bowl as a redshirt freshman. He served as team co-captain in 2012. Mulroe was twice named All-Big Ten, earning Honorable Mention accolades in 2011 and getting a Second Team nod in 2012.
Al Netter (2008-11)
Netter made 52 consecutive starts at left tackle and was the first offensive lineman named to the Leadership Council. He was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2011 and played in the 2012 East-West Shrine Game. Netter played in the NFL from 2012-14.
Trevor Rees (2003-07)
Rees started 44 games at center for Northwestern and played in 47 total. He was a team co-captain in 2007 and was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten that same year.
Desmond Taylor (2006-09)
Taylor played in 37 career games and started 20 times. He was a versatile player and appeared at both guard and tackle throughout his career. Taylor earned Academic All-Big Ten honors four times.
Dylan Thiry (2004-07)
Thiry was a three-year starter at left tackle for Northwestern. The 2007 line that he anchored helped the Wildcats lead the Big Ten in total yards.
Brandon Vitabile (2011-14)
Vitabile was a four-year starter for Northwestern and started all 50 games of his career at center. He was twice named team captain and was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in both 2013 and 2014. Vitabile earned the National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Award in 2014 and was a 2014 Rimington Award candidate.
Patrick Ward (2009-12)
Ward anchored the outside of the line for three years, splitting time between right and left tackle. He was a 2012 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection and won the 2012 National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Award.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Punters (Choose 1)
Stefan Demos (2007-10)
Demos handled punting and placekicking duties from 2007-09. He appeared in 51 career games and ranks fifth all-time among Northwestern kickers with 170 points. He also ranks sixth in program history with 34 career field goals. Demos was a 2009 Second Team All-Big Ten selection.
Brandon Williams (2010-13)
Williams finished his career as one of three Northwestern punters ever to surpass 9,000 career yards. He totaled 9,200 yards and averaged 39.1 yards per punt. Williams averaged 36.0 yards per punt on 58 attempts during his senior season and booted 17 kicks inside the 20. He twice punted a season-high 11 times in a game, doing it at Wisconsin and again at Nebraska.
Chris Gradone (2011-14)
Gradone debuted as the first-string punter in the final four weeks of the 2013 season and started throughout the 2014 campaign. He averaged 37.9 yards per punt during his final season and averaged a career-best 47.0 yards per punt at Notre Dame. He won Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week and Northwestern Special Teams Player of the Week after downing six of seven punts inside the 20 against Western Illinois.
Slade Larscheid (2003-06)
Larsheid began his Northwestern career as a placekicker and ended it as one of the Big Ten's best punters in 2006. During his freshman season, Larsheid was 19-for-19 on extra points before becoming the first-string punter during his senior season in 2006. He led the Big Ten in punts that year and ranked fifth in the conference with 2,417 yards, good for a 37.2 yards per punt average.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Linebackers (Choose 3)
Chi Chi Ariguzo (2011-14)
Ariguzo was a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention recipient for the Wildcats from 2011-14. He made 39 career starts while playing in 48 games. Ariguzo finished his collegiate career tied for 10th all-time at Northwestern with 333 tackles and tied for seventh in program history with five fumble recoveries. In May, he signed an NFL contract with the San Diego Chargers.
Quentin Davie (2007-10)
Davie was a 2010 co-captain who started 39 of 49 career games for the Wildcats. He ranks tied for 10th all-time in program history with 10 sacks, and in 2010, Davie led the 'Cats with three interceptions. The linebacker was also named ESPN.com All-Bowl Team honorable mention following the Outback Bowl when he made nine tackles (2.5 TFL), a sack and a pass breakup against Auburn. Davie played in the 2011 NFLPA All-Star Game.
Collin Ellis (2011-14)
Ellis made 148 tackles in 39 career games and was a two-time Academic All-District selection. He intercepted four passes in his career, including two that he returned for touchdowns against Cal, a first in Northwestern history. Ellis was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Player of the Week for his efforts in that game.
James Hall (2011-14)
Hall made the switch from safety to linebacker as a senior and immediately had an impact on the field. He tied for second in the Big Ten with three fumble recoveries, two of which came in the Wildcats' win at Notre Dame. In 44 career games, Hall made 102 tackles and had three interceptions. He tallied a pass breakup in the endzone during Northwestern's Gator Bowl win over Mississippi State.
Adam Kadela (2003-07)
Kadela was a 2007 co-captain and a versatile player who lined up at both middle and outside linebacker. He played in 49 career games and started 38 of them. Kadela was a 2007 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection and named the Northwestern MVP that season. His 125 tackles in 2007 placed him third in the Big Ten and 21st nationally.
Prince Kwateng (2005-08)
Kwateng made 22 starts at outside linebacker and was a 2008 co-captain. In his 47 career games, Kwateng made 158 tackles with 10.5 TFL, including 4.5 sacks. In his senior season, Kwateng ranked eighth in the Big Ten with 8.2 tackles per game and finished second on the team with 106 tackles. He closed his collegiate career with a personal-best 13 tackles in the Alamo Bowl.
David Nwabuisi (2009-12)
Nwabuisi was a 2012 co-captain and began the season on the Butkus Award Watch List. During his final season, he ranked 13th in the Big Ten with 7.46 tackles per game and tied for 10th with three interceptions. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten for his efforts. In 51 career games (26 starts), Nwabuisi made 216 tackles (20 TFL) and had four interceptions. He played in the Texas vs. Nation All-Star Game following his senior season.
Damien Proby (2010-13)
Proby played in all 51-career games, making 33 starts, and was named a 2013 co-captain. He was awarded Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2012 and 2013. During his senior season, Proby ranked third in the Big Ten and 30th nationally with 112 tackles.
Nick Roach (2003-06)
Roach made 32 starts in 51 career games and was a 2006 co-captain and team MVP. He appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2003. Roach finished his Northwestern career with 241 tackles (137 solo, 16 TFL) and two interceptions. He ranked third in the Big Ten in tackles per game in 2006 prior to a season-ending injury. Roach played in the NFL from 2007-14.
Nate Williams (2007-10)
Williams made 31 starts in 47 career games. He totaled 254 career tackles (20 TFL) and had nine pass breakups. Williams ranked 11th in the Big Ten with 7.4 tackles per game in 2010. He set a career high with 14 tackles in his final game vs. Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Running Backs (Choose 1)
Omar Conteh (2005-08)
Conteh, played in 38 career games for the Wildcats, making six starts during his career. He accumulated 1,191 all-purpose yards while finding the end zone 10 times. In 2007, Conteh put the ball in the end zone a career-high seven times. Alongside teammate Tyrell Sutton, Conteh helped provide one of the most prolific one-two punches at running back in the country from 2005-08.
Venric Mark (2010-13)
A 2012 All-Big Ten second-team selection, Mark was responsible for 2,166 all-purpose yards that season, marking the second-best output in Northwestern history. He was chosen as NU's offensive MVP and he was a semifinalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, handed out to the nation's top running back each season. The native Texan was also an All-America punt returner during his memorable junior season by the Football Writer's Association of America.
Tyrell Sutton (2005-08)
Sutton finished his career in Evanston with his name dotted throughout Northwestern's record book. He earned All-Big Ten recognition four times, including in 2005 when he was a second-team honoree. Sutton ranks second in program history in career yards (3,886) and total touchdowns (37). He ranks fourth in career rushing touchdowns with 31 and the speedster ran for 100 yards or more 16 times. Sutton, the 2006 Northwestern co-MVP, played in 40 games in an NU uniform, starting 38 of those tilts.
Jacob Schmidt (2008-11)
Schmidt was a reliable workhorse in the backfield, and on special teams, from 2008-11. A former walk-on, he ran for more than 850 yards in his career. He was short-yardage specialist who scored 11 touchdowns, including six during his senior season in 2011.
Mike Trumpy (2010-13)
Trumpy scampered for more than 1,400 yards on the ground for the Wildcats between 2010-13. He found the end zone 10 times during his career and posted a career-best 530 yards in 2010. He was also a standout in the classroom and was a 2013 Academic All-District selection.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Safeties (Choose 2)
Ibraheim Campbell (2011-14)
Campbell was a mainstay in the defensive backfield at Northwestern from 2011-14. He earned three All-Big Ten recognitions, including a second-team nod following his senior season in 2014. The 2011 Freshman All-America selection finished his career ranked tied for fourth in program history with 11 interceptions and tied for fifth with 24 pass breakups. He started 45 of his 46 career games, and despite missing four games during his senior season, Campbell tied for the Big Ten lead with four forced fumbles in 2014. He was a quarterfinalist for the Lott Award in 2014 and he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Brian Peters (2008-11)
Peters was a two-time All-Big Ten safety for the Wildcats, including in 2010 when he earned first-team recognition as a junior. He played in 52 games with 34 starts, including 26 in a row to finish his career. The 2010 NU MVP ranks third in Northwestern annals with 12 interceptions, and in 2011 he led the conference in interceptions per game. He made over 300 tackles during his career, while also forcing six fumbles and recovering five. He has played professionally in both the Canadian Football League and the NFL since 2012.
Brad Phillips (2006-09)
A 2009 All-Big Ten First Team honoree, Phillips played in 50 career games in a Northwestern uniform, making 34 starts along the way. During his senior season ('09), he forced five fumbles and ranks 10th nationally in that category. He also received All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2008. Phillips finished his career with 257 tackles, eight forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Brendan Smith (2005-09)
A two-time team captain, Smith, earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2008 and 2006. He started 40 of his 45 career games and tied for 12th all-time at Northwestern with seven interceptions. Smith was the first Wildcat ever to play in and start three consecutive bowl games, doing so at the 2005 Sun Bowl, 2008 Alamo Bowl and 2010 Outback Bowl.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Kickers (Choose 1)
Jeff Budzien (2010-13)
Budzien holds several Northwestern records including career points (280) and field goal percentage (.872). The two-time Baaken-Andersen Big Ten Kick of the Year was a two-time All-Big Ten performer and a 2013 All-American. Twice Budzien was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award and he ranks second all-time in Wildcats history with 48 career field goals.
Stefan Demos (2007-10)
Demos was a versatile specialist who split duties as both a place kicker and punter with the Wildcats during his time in Evanston. He ranks 5th all-time at Northwestern among kickers with 170 points and sixth with 34 career field goals. Demos was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 while handling both kicking disciplines.
Joel Howells (2003-06)
Howells was an integral member of the Wildcats roster from 2003-06. He ranks eighth on Northwestern's all-time scoring list among kickers with 147 points. He best season came in 2005 when he netted 78 points with career highs in both field goals (11) and extra points (45). His 23 career field goals rank Howells ninth on NU's all-time list.
Amado Villareal (2005-08)
A 2008 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection, Villareal's career field goal percentage of .750 ranks second among all NU players with 20-or-more field goals made. He scored 166 career points, the seventh-most by a Northwestern kicker all-time, while his 33 field goals rank seventh in program annals.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Defensive Line (Choose 4)
Brian Arnfelt (2009-12)
Arnfelt served as an anchor on the defensive line between 2009-12. He appeared in 37 career games, making 47 tackles, including eight for a loss. He was a co-captain of the 2012 Wildcats, while earning Academic All-America second-team honors during that season. Arnfelt was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization in the NFL from 2013-14.
Vince Browne (2008-11)
Browne, a 2010 All-Big Ten second-team selection, ranks fourth in Northwestern program history with 19 sacks. He played in 49 career games while racking up 159 tackles and forcing four fumbles along the way. Browne's 34.5 career tackles for loss rank him sixth in NU annals. In 2011, he was a candidate for several major defensive awards, including the Nagurski, Lombardi and Bednarik Trophies. Browne was also selected to play in the 2012 NFLPA All-Star Game.
Corbin Bryant (2007-10)
A 2010 co-captain, Bryant earned All-Big Ten honorable mention during his final season in Evanston. He played in 47 career games with 35 starts for the Wildcats. Bryant accumulated 89 tackles, including 19.5 for a loss, plus 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries and an interception. He played in the 2011 NFLPA All-Star Game and he has been playing in the NFL with three different organizations since that year.
Jack DiNardo (2008-11)
DiNardo played in 40 games for the Wildcats, while making 22 starts during his career. The lineman recorded 73 tackles during his tenure, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Three of those sacks came during his senior season in 2011. DiNardo was also adept at blocking kicks, finishing with three during his time at Northwestern, including a pair in one game against Central Michigan in 2010.
John Gill (2005-08)
Gill was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in the trenches, receiving the accolades in 2007 and 2008. Gill started 42 of the 48 games he appeared in. He ranks tied for 10th in NU history with 10 sacks. Gill also made 160 career tackles and he appeared on the 2008 Outland and Nagurski Award watch lists. He made an impact early in his career as he cracked the starting lineup seven times as a true freshman in 2005.
Tyler Scott (2010-13)
Scott earned a second-team All-Big Ten nod in 2013 after receiving honorable mention status in 2012. Both years he was named Northwestern's co-MVP and he ranks sixth all-time in sacks at Northwestern with 16. Prior to the 2013 campaign, Scott was named to the preseason watch lists for several major awards, including the Nagurski, Lombardi and Hendricks awards.
Kevin Watt (2008-11)
Watt reliably appeared in 52 games between 2008-11, while making 21 starts. He recorded 64 tackles, including nine for a loss to go along with 3.5 sacks. Watt also excelled in the classroom as he earned a pair of Academic All-District distinctions during his tenure at Northwestern.
Corey Wootton (2006-06)
A 2008 All-Big Ten First Team selection, Wootton made 49 starts at Northwestern, which marked a record at the time of his graduation. He ranks third in program annals with 19.5 sacks and fourth with 38 tackles for loss. Wootton intercepted four passes during his career and he was the team's most valuable player in 2008. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2010 and has been playing professionally ever since.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Quarterbacks (Choose 1)
C.J. Bachér (2005-08)
Bachér, who made 28 starts and played in 34 games at Northwestern from 2005-08 is the Wildcats all-time leader in pass completions with 664. He ranks third in program history in both passing yardage and touchdowns with 7,319 yards and 43 TDs. Bachér received All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades in 2007, and in 2008 he was tabbed by The Sporting News as the conference's "Best Player Under Pressure."
Kain Colter (2010-13)
Colter was a tremendously versatile member of the Wildcats from 2010-13. He finished his career as Northwestern's all-time leader in rushing yards from the quarterback position with 2,180, while ranking eighth overall among all players in rushing yards. Colter, a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection (2011 and 2012), ranks second in program history in passing efficiency with a mark of 139.0. His 28 rushing touchdowns place him fifth overall in rushing touchdowns.
Mike Kafka (2006-09)
Kafka, an All-Big Ten Second Team honoree in 2009, was the team's Co-MVP that season as well. Prior to the 2009 season, Kafka was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List. He ranks ninth in NU annals with 5,152 total career yards and he holds the single-game record for the most total yards when he accumulated 562 during the 2010 Outback Bowl game against Auburn. Kafka was chosen in the fourth round of 2010 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently a member of the Minnesota Vikings organization.
Dan Persa (2008-11)
Dan Persa stood behind center at Northwestern and steadily climbed his way up the record book throughout his career. When it was finished, the QB was the NCAA career leader in completion percentage with a mark of 72.9 percent. A 2010 All-Big Ten First Teamer, Persa also ranks sixth in Northwestern history with 5,897 yards. He was also named to multiple Player of the Year Watch Lists in 2011 before earning a 2011 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection. He was also the team's 2010 Co-MVP.
Trevor Siemian (2011-14)
Despite officially starting only 14 games, Trevor Siemian finished his career ranked fourth all-time in career passing yardage with 5,931. He finished fourth in career completions with 550 and seventh in touchdowns with 27. Earlier this spring, Siemian was chosen in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
EVANSTON, Ill. – As Northwestern head football coach Pat Fitzgerald prepares to begin his 10th season this fall as the leader of the Wildcats, NUsports.com wants to hear from our loyal fans to decide who has been the best of the best on the gridiron during his tenure to date.
We want to know who belongs on the All-Fitz Team, a compilation of the top players who have honorably donned the Purple and White since Fitzgerald's first season as the head coach of Chicago's Big Ten Team in 2006. In order to be eligible for the prestigious squad, players must be graduates of the program who played at least one season under Fitzgerald's guidance.
Who will decide on the All-Fitz Team? You the fans, of course! Voting opens on Thursday, July 9 with the ballot broken down by position. Voters can choose a quarterback, running back, superback/tight end, three wide receivers and five offensive linemen. On the other side of the ball, it will be four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks and two safeties. From the special teams units, voters will choose a kicker, a punter and two special teams standouts.
Fans can vote once per day. Upon registering to receive the ballot the first time, voters will be entered to win a customized Northwestern football jersey. Registration is only required once.
Each weekday between July 9-24, NUsports.com will highlight one position group for the All-Fitz Team. Voting closes on Friday, July 24 at 5 p.m. CDT. The All-Fitz Team will be unveiled during the week of July 27 as we lead up to Big Ten Media Days on July 30-31, and the start of the 2015 season.
Wide Receivers (Choose 3)
Andrew Brewer (2006-09)
Brewer began his Northwestern career as a quarterback but moved to wide receiver toward the end of his second season with the Wildcats. He caught nine touchdowns in 2009, which ranks as the second-highest single-season total at Northwestern. Brewer closed his career with nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards.
Jeremy Ebert (2008-11)
In 52 career games, with 35 starts, Ebert vaulted up Northwestern's record book, finishing third in program history with 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He became only the third Northwestern wide receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season, doing so in 2011. Ebert earned a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2010 and was a 2011 Biletnikoff candidate. He finished the 2011 season with Second Team All-Big Ten honors and played in the NFL from 2012-14.
Shaun Herbert (2003-06)
Herbert ranks fifth all-time at Northwestern in receptions (168) and sixth in yards (1,926). He was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2005 and began the 2006 season on the Biletnikoff Watch List.
Tony Jones (2010-14)
Jones caught 130 passes for 1,445 yards and 10 touchdowns in his Northwestern career. He hauled in a team-best 55 passes in 2013 and ranked sixth in the Big Ten that season with 4.6 receptions per game. Jones was a midseason addition to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Ross Lane (2005-08)
Lane played in 49 games with 38 starts, including 25 straight to finish his career and ranks fourth all-time at Northwestern in receiving yards (2,068) and seventh in touchdowns (13). Three of his 23 career touchdowns came in the final seconds of games. Lane led the team with seven touchdowns in 2007.
Rashad Lawrence (2010-13)
Lawrence started 30 of 51 career games during his time at Northwestern. He caught 96 passes for 1,165 yards and two touchdowns and had two 100-yard games, including the 2013 finale at Illinois. He set career highs in catches (8) and yards (149) vs. Ohio State in 2013.
Eric Peterman (2005-08)
Peterman made at least one catch in 29 straight games to end his career. He ranks fifth all-time at Northwestern in receiving yards (2,011) and eighth in touchdowns (12). Peterman led the team with 869 all-purpose yards in 2007 and was a 2008 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. He played in the NFL from 2009-10.
Kyle Prater (2012-14)
Prater caught 70 passes for 648 yards and two touchdowns in his 34-game Northwestern career. In 2014, he started all 11 games in which he played and led the team with 51 catches and 535 yards, ranking seventh in the Big Ten with 4.6 receptions per game during the regular season.
Zeke Markshausen (2007-09)
Markshausen etched his name in the single-season record books at Northwestern in 2009. He caught 91 passes, which stands as the second-best single-season mark in program history and had 858 receiving yards, good for 10th. Markshausen was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 and was named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-America team.
Rasheed Ward (2005-08)
Ward played in every collegiate game while he was at Northwestern and made 20 starts. He caught 126 passes for 1,271 yards and four touchdowns in his career. Ward ranked ninth in the Big Ten in receptions per game with 3.92 in 2008 and was named the Alamo Bowl's 2008 Sportsmanship Award recipient.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Cornerbacks (Choose 2)
Marquice Cole (2002-06)
Cole played in 43 career games for Northwestern and ranks 12th all-time in program history with seven interceptions. He picked off five passes in 2005, placing him fifth on the single season list at Northwestern. His efforts that year were good for a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. He was placed on the 2006 Thorpe Award Watch list and played in the NFL from 2007-14.
Jordan Mabin (2008-11)
Mabin played in 51 career games, starting 49 of them, and was a co-captain of the 2011 Northwestern squad. He led the Big Ten in pass breakups in 2010 and ranks fourth in school history with 24. Mabin is tied for 12th in Northwestern history with seven interceptions. He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selections in both 2010 and 2011 and has played in the NFL since 2012.
Sherrick McManis (2006-09)
McManis ranks seventh all-time at Northwestern with nine interceptions. His five INTs in 2009 led the Big Ten and ranked 8th nationally. He is seventh in the single-season Northwestern record book with 12 pass breakups in 2008. McManis was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2008 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2009. He was also named the Northwestern team MVP in 2009. McManis was invited to the 2010 East-West Shrine Game and has played in the NFL since 2010.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Special Teams Standouts (Choose 2)
Hunter Bates (2009-12)
Bates was a key contributor on special teams for four years. He recovered a key onside kick attempt at Illinois to help Northwestern secure a win and was named Northwestern's special teams player of the week for his efforts.
Phil Brunner (2006-08)
Brunner was the Northwestern long-snapper for three seasons. He was named to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society in 2008 and was a CoSIDA Academic All-America selection his senior season.
Bo Cisek (2009-12)
Cisek was the 2012 recipient of Northwestern's Thomas Airth Spirit Award, which is presented annually to the player whose spirit and enthusiasm is an inspiration to teammates and fans throughout the season. Cisek recorded two rushes on offense in the 4th quarter of a win over Illinois during his senior year.
Pat Hickey (2010-13)
Hickey handled long-snapping duties for Northwestern for three seasons and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. As the long-snapper in 2013, Hickey helped the Wildcats convert 23-of-25 field goal attempts and make 100 percent of PATs.
Venric Mark (2010-13)
Mark was Northwestern's offensive MVP in 2012 after putting up the second-best single-season all-purpose yards total in school history with 2,166. He was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top running back and was also a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. Mark was recognized with All-America Punt Returner honors after the 2012 season.
Jeravin Matthews (2008-11)
Matthews returned 27 kicks for 496 yards in 32 career games at Northwestern. He was one of two true freshmen (Jeremy Ebert) to play in 2008 and received the NGN Special Teams Newcomer of the Year award that after that season. Matthews played wide receiver, running back and defensive back during his Northwestern career.
John Henry Pace (2008-10)
Between 2009 and 2010, Pace played in 26 games for Northwestern.
Stephen Simmons (2007-10)
Simmons was a kickoff return specialist. He totaled 1,995 kick return yards on 84 returns during his Northwestern career. In 2007, he ran a kick back 99 yards for a touchdown against Ohio State. Simmons scored five career touchdowns and had 2,624 all-purpose yards.
Sherrick McManis (2006-09)
McManis is tied for seventh all-time at Northwestern in yards per kick return with 22.1. He has 59 career returns for 1,306 yards. McManis led the team in kickoff return yards in 2006 and 2007.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Offensive Line (Choose 5)
Doug Bartels (2008-11)
Bartels was a former walk-on who earned a scholarship in 2008 and started the final nine games of that season. He started 25 games and played in 48 total. Bartels was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and earned Academic All-District honors three times.
Joel Belding (2005-08)
Belding started 24 games and proved to be versatile, splitting time in 37 games between center and guard. The 2007 Northwestern offense led the Big Ten in yards.
Ben Burkett (2008-11)
Burkett made 52 consecutive starts at center and right guard in his Northwestern career. He was selected three times to the Rimington Trophy Watch List and was a 2011 Rotary Lombardi Award candidate.
Keegan Grant (2007-10)
Grant was a former walk-on who earned a scholarship in 2007. He played in 36 career games, starting 16 of them. Grant started 10 of 11 games as a senior in 2010.
Paul Jorgensen (2011-14)
Jorgensen appeared in 48 games and started 24 straight to finish his career. He played both right and left tackle for Northwestern. Jorgensen caught a touchdown pass in 2012 on a tackle-eligible play.
Ryan Keenan (2003-06)
Keenan began his Northwestern career as a right guard but switched to tackle in 2006, where he started all 12 games of the season. He was the team's 2006 strength and conditioning champion.
Keegan Kennedy (2005-08)
Kennedy came to Northwestern as a defensive tackle but flourished after switching to the offensive line. He started all 13 games at guard in 2008 and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Kennedy was also named to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Society.
Brian Mulroe (2009-12)
Mulroe was a three-year starter for Northwestern from 2010-12 but made his first career start in the Outback Bowl as a redshirt freshman. He served as team co-captain in 2012. Mulroe was twice named All-Big Ten, earning Honorable Mention accolades in 2011 and getting a Second Team nod in 2012.
Al Netter (2008-11)
Netter made 52 consecutive starts at left tackle and was the first offensive lineman named to the Leadership Council. He was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2011 and played in the 2012 East-West Shrine Game. Netter played in the NFL from 2012-14.
Trevor Rees (2003-07)
Rees started 44 games at center for Northwestern and played in 47 total. He was a team co-captain in 2007 and was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten that same year.
Desmond Taylor (2006-09)
Taylor played in 37 career games and started 20 times. He was a versatile player and appeared at both guard and tackle throughout his career. Taylor earned Academic All-Big Ten honors four times.
Dylan Thiry (2004-07)
Thiry was a three-year starter at left tackle for Northwestern. The 2007 line that he anchored helped the Wildcats lead the Big Ten in total yards.
Brandon Vitabile (2011-14)
Vitabile was a four-year starter for Northwestern and started all 50 games of his career at center. He was twice named team captain and was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in both 2013 and 2014. Vitabile earned the National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Award in 2014 and was a 2014 Rimington Award candidate.
Patrick Ward (2009-12)
Ward anchored the outside of the line for three years, splitting time between right and left tackle. He was a 2012 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection and won the 2012 National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Award.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Punters (Choose 1)
Stefan Demos (2007-10)
Demos handled punting and placekicking duties from 2007-09. He appeared in 51 career games and ranks fifth all-time among Northwestern kickers with 170 points. He also ranks sixth in program history with 34 career field goals. Demos was a 2009 Second Team All-Big Ten selection.
Brandon Williams (2010-13)
Williams finished his career as one of three Northwestern punters ever to surpass 9,000 career yards. He totaled 9,200 yards and averaged 39.1 yards per punt. Williams averaged 36.0 yards per punt on 58 attempts during his senior season and booted 17 kicks inside the 20. He twice punted a season-high 11 times in a game, doing it at Wisconsin and again at Nebraska.
Chris Gradone (2011-14)
Gradone debuted as the first-string punter in the final four weeks of the 2013 season and started throughout the 2014 campaign. He averaged 37.9 yards per punt during his final season and averaged a career-best 47.0 yards per punt at Notre Dame. He won Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week and Northwestern Special Teams Player of the Week after downing six of seven punts inside the 20 against Western Illinois.
Slade Larscheid (2003-06)
Larsheid began his Northwestern career as a placekicker and ended it as one of the Big Ten's best punters in 2006. During his freshman season, Larsheid was 19-for-19 on extra points before becoming the first-string punter during his senior season in 2006. He led the Big Ten in punts that year and ranked fifth in the conference with 2,417 yards, good for a 37.2 yards per punt average.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Linebackers (Choose 3)
Chi Chi Ariguzo (2011-14)
Ariguzo was a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention recipient for the Wildcats from 2011-14. He made 39 career starts while playing in 48 games. Ariguzo finished his collegiate career tied for 10th all-time at Northwestern with 333 tackles and tied for seventh in program history with five fumble recoveries. In May, he signed an NFL contract with the San Diego Chargers.
Quentin Davie (2007-10)
Davie was a 2010 co-captain who started 39 of 49 career games for the Wildcats. He ranks tied for 10th all-time in program history with 10 sacks, and in 2010, Davie led the 'Cats with three interceptions. The linebacker was also named ESPN.com All-Bowl Team honorable mention following the Outback Bowl when he made nine tackles (2.5 TFL), a sack and a pass breakup against Auburn. Davie played in the 2011 NFLPA All-Star Game.
Collin Ellis (2011-14)
Ellis made 148 tackles in 39 career games and was a two-time Academic All-District selection. He intercepted four passes in his career, including two that he returned for touchdowns against Cal, a first in Northwestern history. Ellis was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Player of the Week for his efforts in that game.
James Hall (2011-14)
Hall made the switch from safety to linebacker as a senior and immediately had an impact on the field. He tied for second in the Big Ten with three fumble recoveries, two of which came in the Wildcats' win at Notre Dame. In 44 career games, Hall made 102 tackles and had three interceptions. He tallied a pass breakup in the endzone during Northwestern's Gator Bowl win over Mississippi State.
Adam Kadela (2003-07)
Kadela was a 2007 co-captain and a versatile player who lined up at both middle and outside linebacker. He played in 49 career games and started 38 of them. Kadela was a 2007 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection and named the Northwestern MVP that season. His 125 tackles in 2007 placed him third in the Big Ten and 21st nationally.
Prince Kwateng (2005-08)
Kwateng made 22 starts at outside linebacker and was a 2008 co-captain. In his 47 career games, Kwateng made 158 tackles with 10.5 TFL, including 4.5 sacks. In his senior season, Kwateng ranked eighth in the Big Ten with 8.2 tackles per game and finished second on the team with 106 tackles. He closed his collegiate career with a personal-best 13 tackles in the Alamo Bowl.
David Nwabuisi (2009-12)
Nwabuisi was a 2012 co-captain and began the season on the Butkus Award Watch List. During his final season, he ranked 13th in the Big Ten with 7.46 tackles per game and tied for 10th with three interceptions. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten for his efforts. In 51 career games (26 starts), Nwabuisi made 216 tackles (20 TFL) and had four interceptions. He played in the Texas vs. Nation All-Star Game following his senior season.
Damien Proby (2010-13)
Proby played in all 51-career games, making 33 starts, and was named a 2013 co-captain. He was awarded Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2012 and 2013. During his senior season, Proby ranked third in the Big Ten and 30th nationally with 112 tackles.
Nick Roach (2003-06)
Roach made 32 starts in 51 career games and was a 2006 co-captain and team MVP. He appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2003. Roach finished his Northwestern career with 241 tackles (137 solo, 16 TFL) and two interceptions. He ranked third in the Big Ten in tackles per game in 2006 prior to a season-ending injury. Roach played in the NFL from 2007-14.
Nate Williams (2007-10)
Williams made 31 starts in 47 career games. He totaled 254 career tackles (20 TFL) and had nine pass breakups. Williams ranked 11th in the Big Ten with 7.4 tackles per game in 2010. He set a career high with 14 tackles in his final game vs. Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Running Backs (Choose 1)
Omar Conteh (2005-08)
Conteh, played in 38 career games for the Wildcats, making six starts during his career. He accumulated 1,191 all-purpose yards while finding the end zone 10 times. In 2007, Conteh put the ball in the end zone a career-high seven times. Alongside teammate Tyrell Sutton, Conteh helped provide one of the most prolific one-two punches at running back in the country from 2005-08.
Venric Mark (2010-13)
A 2012 All-Big Ten second-team selection, Mark was responsible for 2,166 all-purpose yards that season, marking the second-best output in Northwestern history. He was chosen as NU's offensive MVP and he was a semifinalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, handed out to the nation's top running back each season. The native Texan was also an All-America punt returner during his memorable junior season by the Football Writer's Association of America.
Tyrell Sutton (2005-08)
Sutton finished his career in Evanston with his name dotted throughout Northwestern's record book. He earned All-Big Ten recognition four times, including in 2005 when he was a second-team honoree. Sutton ranks second in program history in career yards (3,886) and total touchdowns (37). He ranks fourth in career rushing touchdowns with 31 and the speedster ran for 100 yards or more 16 times. Sutton, the 2006 Northwestern co-MVP, played in 40 games in an NU uniform, starting 38 of those tilts.
Jacob Schmidt (2008-11)
Schmidt was a reliable workhorse in the backfield, and on special teams, from 2008-11. A former walk-on, he ran for more than 850 yards in his career. He was short-yardage specialist who scored 11 touchdowns, including six during his senior season in 2011.
Mike Trumpy (2010-13)
Trumpy scampered for more than 1,400 yards on the ground for the Wildcats between 2010-13. He found the end zone 10 times during his career and posted a career-best 530 yards in 2010. He was also a standout in the classroom and was a 2013 Academic All-District selection.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Safeties (Choose 2)
Ibraheim Campbell (2011-14)
Campbell was a mainstay in the defensive backfield at Northwestern from 2011-14. He earned three All-Big Ten recognitions, including a second-team nod following his senior season in 2014. The 2011 Freshman All-America selection finished his career ranked tied for fourth in program history with 11 interceptions and tied for fifth with 24 pass breakups. He started 45 of his 46 career games, and despite missing four games during his senior season, Campbell tied for the Big Ten lead with four forced fumbles in 2014. He was a quarterfinalist for the Lott Award in 2014 and he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Brian Peters (2008-11)
Peters was a two-time All-Big Ten safety for the Wildcats, including in 2010 when he earned first-team recognition as a junior. He played in 52 games with 34 starts, including 26 in a row to finish his career. The 2010 NU MVP ranks third in Northwestern annals with 12 interceptions, and in 2011 he led the conference in interceptions per game. He made over 300 tackles during his career, while also forcing six fumbles and recovering five. He has played professionally in both the Canadian Football League and the NFL since 2012.
Brad Phillips (2006-09)
A 2009 All-Big Ten First Team honoree, Phillips played in 50 career games in a Northwestern uniform, making 34 starts along the way. During his senior season ('09), he forced five fumbles and ranks 10th nationally in that category. He also received All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2008. Phillips finished his career with 257 tackles, eight forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Brendan Smith (2005-09)
A two-time team captain, Smith, earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2008 and 2006. He started 40 of his 45 career games and tied for 12th all-time at Northwestern with seven interceptions. Smith was the first Wildcat ever to play in and start three consecutive bowl games, doing so at the 2005 Sun Bowl, 2008 Alamo Bowl and 2010 Outback Bowl.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Superbacks/Tight Ends (Choose 1)
Drake Dunsmore (2007-11)
Not only did Dunsmore receive consensus All-Big Ten First Team recognition in 2011, but he was named the Big Ten Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year that season. Dunsmore was a semifinalist for the Mackey Award and he finished his NU career ranked fourth all-time with 14 receiving touchdowns. He made 29 starts in his 50 career games and he was one of two true freshmen to see the field in 2007.
Brendan Mitchell (2006-09)
Mitchell was a key contributor to the Northwestern offense from 2006-09. He appeared in 48 career games, making four starts along the way. He hauled in several memorable catches during his tenure in Evanston, including highlight-reel touchdown grabs against Purdue in 2008 and Minnesota in 2009. Mitchell also made an unforgettable grab on a 2-point conversion attempt at the Outback Bowl.
Josh Rooks (2007-10)
Rooks started nine of the 50 games he played in during his Northwestern career. He was responsible for three touchdown catches during his tenure, including a pair during the 2008 campaign. One of two true freshmen to play in 2007, Rooks was named a National Football Foundation Hampshire Scholar in 2010.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Kickers (Choose 1)
Jeff Budzien (2010-13)
Budzien holds several Northwestern records including career points (280) and field goal percentage (.872). The two-time Baaken-Andersen Big Ten Kick of the Year was a two-time All-Big Ten performer and a 2013 All-American. Twice Budzien was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award and he ranks second all-time in Wildcats history with 48 career field goals.
Stefan Demos (2007-10)
Demos was a versatile specialist who split duties as both a place kicker and punter with the Wildcats during his time in Evanston. He ranks 5th all-time at Northwestern among kickers with 170 points and sixth with 34 career field goals. Demos was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 while handling both kicking disciplines.
Joel Howells (2003-06)
Howells was an integral member of the Wildcats roster from 2003-06. He ranks eighth on Northwestern's all-time scoring list among kickers with 147 points. He best season came in 2005 when he netted 78 points with career highs in both field goals (11) and extra points (45). His 23 career field goals rank Howells ninth on NU's all-time list.
Amado Villareal (2005-08)
A 2008 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection, Villareal's career field goal percentage of .750 ranks second among all NU players with 20-or-more field goals made. He scored 166 career points, the seventh-most by a Northwestern kicker all-time, while his 33 field goals rank seventh in program annals.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Defensive Line (Choose 4)
Brian Arnfelt (2009-12)
Arnfelt served as an anchor on the defensive line between 2009-12. He appeared in 37 career games, making 47 tackles, including eight for a loss. He was a co-captain of the 2012 Wildcats, while earning Academic All-America second-team honors during that season. Arnfelt was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization in the NFL from 2013-14.
Vince Browne (2008-11)
Browne, a 2010 All-Big Ten second-team selection, ranks fourth in Northwestern program history with 19 sacks. He played in 49 career games while racking up 159 tackles and forcing four fumbles along the way. Browne's 34.5 career tackles for loss rank him sixth in NU annals. In 2011, he was a candidate for several major defensive awards, including the Nagurski, Lombardi and Bednarik Trophies. Browne was also selected to play in the 2012 NFLPA All-Star Game.
Corbin Bryant (2007-10)
A 2010 co-captain, Bryant earned All-Big Ten honorable mention during his final season in Evanston. He played in 47 career games with 35 starts for the Wildcats. Bryant accumulated 89 tackles, including 19.5 for a loss, plus 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries and an interception. He played in the 2011 NFLPA All-Star Game and he has been playing in the NFL with three different organizations since that year.
Jack DiNardo (2008-11)
DiNardo played in 40 games for the Wildcats, while making 22 starts during his career. The lineman recorded 73 tackles during his tenure, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Three of those sacks came during his senior season in 2011. DiNardo was also adept at blocking kicks, finishing with three during his time at Northwestern, including a pair in one game against Central Michigan in 2010.
John Gill (2005-08)
Gill was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in the trenches, receiving the accolades in 2007 and 2008. Gill started 42 of the 48 games he appeared in. He ranks tied for 10th in NU history with 10 sacks. Gill also made 160 career tackles and he appeared on the 2008 Outland and Nagurski Award watch lists. He made an impact early in his career as he cracked the starting lineup seven times as a true freshman in 2005.
Tyler Scott (2010-13)
Scott earned a second-team All-Big Ten nod in 2013 after receiving honorable mention status in 2012. Both years he was named Northwestern's co-MVP and he ranks sixth all-time in sacks at Northwestern with 16. Prior to the 2013 campaign, Scott was named to the preseason watch lists for several major awards, including the Nagurski, Lombardi and Hendricks awards.
Kevin Watt (2008-11)
Watt reliably appeared in 52 games between 2008-11, while making 21 starts. He recorded 64 tackles, including nine for a loss to go along with 3.5 sacks. Watt also excelled in the classroom as he earned a pair of Academic All-District distinctions during his tenure at Northwestern.
Corey Wootton (2006-06)
A 2008 All-Big Ten First Team selection, Wootton made 49 starts at Northwestern, which marked a record at the time of his graduation. He ranks third in program annals with 19.5 sacks and fourth with 38 tackles for loss. Wootton intercepted four passes during his career and he was the team's most valuable player in 2008. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2010 and has been playing professionally ever since.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Quarterbacks (Choose 1)
C.J. Bachér (2005-08)
Bachér, who made 28 starts and played in 34 games at Northwestern from 2005-08 is the Wildcats all-time leader in pass completions with 664. He ranks third in program history in both passing yardage and touchdowns with 7,319 yards and 43 TDs. Bachér received All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades in 2007, and in 2008 he was tabbed by The Sporting News as the conference's "Best Player Under Pressure."
Kain Colter (2010-13)
Colter was a tremendously versatile member of the Wildcats from 2010-13. He finished his career as Northwestern's all-time leader in rushing yards from the quarterback position with 2,180, while ranking eighth overall among all players in rushing yards. Colter, a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection (2011 and 2012), ranks second in program history in passing efficiency with a mark of 139.0. His 28 rushing touchdowns place him fifth overall in rushing touchdowns.
Mike Kafka (2006-09)
Kafka, an All-Big Ten Second Team honoree in 2009, was the team's Co-MVP that season as well. Prior to the 2009 season, Kafka was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List. He ranks ninth in NU annals with 5,152 total career yards and he holds the single-game record for the most total yards when he accumulated 562 during the 2010 Outback Bowl game against Auburn. Kafka was chosen in the fourth round of 2010 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently a member of the Minnesota Vikings organization.
Dan Persa (2008-11)
Dan Persa stood behind center at Northwestern and steadily climbed his way up the record book throughout his career. When it was finished, the QB was the NCAA career leader in completion percentage with a mark of 72.9 percent. A 2010 All-Big Ten First Teamer, Persa also ranks sixth in Northwestern history with 5,897 yards. He was also named to multiple Player of the Year Watch Lists in 2011 before earning a 2011 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection. He was also the team's 2010 Co-MVP.
Trevor Siemian (2011-14)
Despite officially starting only 14 games, Trevor Siemian finished his career ranked fourth all-time in career passing yardage with 5,931. He finished fourth in career completions with 550 and seventh in touchdowns with 27. Earlier this spring, Siemian was chosen in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
VOTE NOW FOR THE 2015 ALL-FITZ TEAM
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
S
/ Football
LB
/ Football
P
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
QB
/ Football
OL
/ FootballFootball - Oregon at Northwestern Postgame Press Conference (9/13/25)
Saturday, September 13
Football - 'Cats Fall to No. 4 Oregon (9/13/25)
Saturday, September 13
Football - Western Illinois Cinematic Recap (9/5/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Week 3 Monday Press Conference (9/8/25)
Monday, September 08
