Ranking The Big Ten Secondaries

4.) Northwestern

Oct 19, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky (82) is defended by Northwestern Wildcats cornerback Nick VanHoose (23) during the second half at Ryan Field. The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 20-17. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not a whole lot to dislike about the Wildcats secondary: they return all their starters, four upper classmen, and the unit was solid the previous year. They aren’t the most heralded players or naturally gifted, but Traveon Henry (great tackler) and Ibraheim Campbell (ball-hawk) comprise one of the better safety pairing in the Big Ten. Those two combined for 17% of Northwestern’s tackles last season and should only get better.

Senior Daniel Jones was hurt all last season, but he’s coming back this year and will only add positive depth to Northwestern’s numbers. Nick VanHoose could be a playmaker just waiting for his opportunity if he improves on those five tackles for losses and eight pass deflections last season. To make things better? They’ve got freshmen, redshirt or otherwise, who are four star talents should all this fail.