Northwestern’s defense was much maligned last season. The pass defense was especially substandard. But at the conclusion of 2012 spring practice, the D was ahead of the offense and it showed a lot of improvement. The secondary will be retooled, so the defense figures to lean on the front seven this fall.
And when you’re coached by a linebacker in Pat Fitzgerald, the linebackers will be a group with a special focus.
“He’s a defensive guy, he likes to see the defense swarm around to the ball. He’s got little pointers here and there for us to get to the ball faster,” said Chi Chi Ariguzo.
The 6-foot-3, 220 pounder, was the backup SAM linebacker behind senior Ben Johnson as a freshman, but this year he should get the starting gig.
The unit will be led senior David Nwabuisi. “He’s a great leader, he shows a great work ethic in the weight room, or watching film- trying to coach up a lot of the young players,” said Ariguzo.
CNBC sports reporter Darren Rovell (an NU alum, and one who loves to flaunt it by the way) named Ariguzo to his college football all-name team.
“I was aware of that, yeah it was an honor,” Ariguzo said jokingly, smirking.
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