Northwestern 2013 Football Preview: the Offensive Line

Northwestern had an uncharacteristically good year at offensive line last year, solid across every position. They opened up huge holes in the running game and did a good job of protecting the quarterback, allowing only 1.23 sacks/game, fewest in the Big Ten. This year however, most of last year's starters are gone. The question is, will Northwestern adequately be able to fill these holes?

Last Year

LT Patrick Ward, a fourth year senior, spent his third season as a starter, and first year at left tackle, after moving from right tackle. He performed quite well, being named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. 

LG Brian Mulroe was a fifth year senior and a third year starter, as well as a captain of the team. He was listed as a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, and he was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by the coaches for the second consecutive year. 

C Brandon Vitabile had an impressive year last year as a sophomore, starting every game at center after being placed on the Rimington watch list. He has started every game since his redshirt freshman season. 

RG Neal Dieters started 11 games at right guard last season, his redshirt senior year, after missing the first two due to injury. He started 16 games throughout his career. Senior Chuck Porcelli started the other two games at the position. 

RT Jack Konopka, a true sophomore last season, started all 13 games at right tackle after switching from superback. 

A few other players had contributions on the line last year. Tackle Paul Jorgensen, a sophomore last year, appeared in all 13 games, mostly in goalline situations. Matt Frazier appeared as a reserve guard in 11 of 13 games as a freshman. Geoff Mogus appeared as a reserve or special teams player in all 13 games. Finally, Taylor Paxton, a senior last year, appeared in five games as a reserve.

This Year

LT Jack Konopka is expected to make the move from right tackle to left tackle to replace Patrick Ward. 

LG Mogus should get his first go as a starter replacing Mulroe at left guard. 

C Vitabile returns as a center and faces big expectations, again appearing on the Rimington watch list. He should be the anchor of this line. 

RG Ian Park is expected to start at right guard as a redshirt freshman, and honestly, I know very little about the guy. He was a 3-star recruit and has apparently impressed in practices. 

RT Paul Jorgensen steps up as the starter here, filling the hole Konopka left by switching positions. 

Is this an improvement? 

For the first time, I have to say no. The line looked quite good last year, and losing three starters stings. I don't want to say this unit will be bad, because I have no reason to think it will be. The issue is that I have no solid reason to think it will be great either. Northwestern's offensive line is simply an uncertainty. If there's any good news to be taken from this, it's that the line is now quite young, with no seniors starting. Even if the line flounders somewhat this year, we will have an experienced line going into the future.