STARS OF 2008:

QB C.J. Bacher -- He has been Northwestern's starter for a year-and-a-half and delivered some unbelievable performances in that stretch. But, for a fifth-year senior, he has thrown too many balls up for grabs. He needs to take a solid step to become an elite Big Ten quarterback. That could add one or two wins to NU's total this year.

RB Tyrell Sutton -- If the senior remains injury-free, he has a good shot at 1,500 rushing yards and the school's all-time rushing crown (Damien Anderson rushed for 4,485 yards from 1998-2001). Also has the pass-catching skills to give the Wildcats' spread offense another serious weapon out of the backfield.

DT John Gill -- Northwestern's defense doesn't return anyone who finished among the Big Ten's top 50 tacklers. However, they do return this fourth-year starter in the heart of the defensive line. Coaches have tabbed Gill for greatness for a few years -- and he enjoyed some games where he approached it. The Wildcats need him to control the middle.

WR Eric Peterman -- The converted quarterback has transformed into the ultimate threat in NU's spread attack. He has the heart to catch balls over the middle and the speed to hit a seam for a big play. Peterman owns 101 career catches for 1,274 yards and 6 TDs.

TOP NEWCOMERS

DL Niko Mafuli -- This 6-foot-3, 305-pound redshirt freshman has the size and the strength to control the middle.

LB Bryce McNaul -- The Wildcats need a few good linebackers to emerge and this 6-4, 235-pound redshirt freshman has a good opportunity to fill the bill.

LB Quentin Williams -- The brother of NU sophomore linebacker Nate Williams, this 6-4, 235-pound pass-rushing savant showed the strength and athleticism to be an immediate contributor as a true freshman.

WR Martin Bayless -- If the name sounds familiar, it's because his dad, who goes by the same name, spent 13 years with the San Diego Chargers. But while Pops played safety, the new generation loves to burn safeties and corners. His 6-2, 205-pound frame is a relative rarity in the NU receiving corps, so he should have a chance to join the rotation early.

ROSTER REPORT

--Safety Brendan Smith missed nine games of his junior year with a continuing shoulder issue that required a second surgery. It seems unlikely the Wildcats would risk his health by putting him through too much during spring ball.

--Junior wide receiver Andrew Brewer should be full-go after breaking his arm last August and missing the season.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.