Northwestern football position previews

Overview

Returners: Josh Fussell (R-So.), Damon Walters (R-So.), Robert Fitzgerald (R-Jr.), Ore Adeyi (Gr.), Garner Wallace (Gr.), Braden Turner (R-Jr.), Tito Williams Jr. (R-Fy.), Jalen Lewis (R-So.), Evan Smith (R-Jr.), Cole Shivers (R-So.), J.J. Lewis (R-So.), Timi Oke (R-Fy.), Sean Martin (R-Fy.), Jack Oyola (R-Jr.), Terrion Curry-Hicks (R-Fy.)

Losses: Coco Azema (graduated), Theran Johnson (transferred to Oregon), Devin Turner (transferred to Baylor), Joe DeHaan (graduated)

Newcomers: Dillon Tatum (R-Jr.,

Michigan State transfer), Fred Davis II (Gr., Jacksonville State transfer), Seth Valeri (Fy.), Alijah Jones (Fy.), Marquet Dorsey Jr. (Fy.), Jon Jon Stevens Jr. (Fy.)

Despite offseason departures, this Northwestern DB group is defined by versatility.

The ‘Cats took three brutal losses this offseason with the departures of their top cornerback in Theran Johnson and safeties in Coco Azema and Devin Turner. All three were prolific in pass coverage in 2024, combining for six interceptions and 16 passes defensed. However, outside of those three and Joe DeHaan (eight tackles last season), Northwestern retained everybody from its defensive back unit.

There’s still plenty of potential at DB for the Wildcats. Starting at outside corner will likely be Josh Fussell along with one of Ore Adeyi, Braden Turner and graduate transfer Fred Davis II.

Adeyi and Turner have the advantage of Big Ten experience, and Adeyi was set to be the starter in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury late into training camp. Turner started seven games last season, but he saw most of his snaps at nickle. Davis was impressive at Jacksonville State on the outside, starting nine games and allowing just 16 receptions in 2024. Given Davis’ success from a year ago and his pedigree as a former Clemson recruit, I’d expect him to start first on the outside, meaning Turner may see most of his snaps at nickel again in 2024.

Still, Turner will have to hold off Robert Fitzgerald, who started four games and picked off a pass while recording 46 tackles in 2024. Wildcat head coach David Braun listed Fitzgerald as a safety during Big Ten Media Days in July, but the Dallas native has experience at nickel and will likely play both positions in 2025.

Safety is an incredibly crowded group for the ‘Cats in 2025. Damon Walters (46 tackles and one interception last year) should slide in nicely as a starter, and he has the versatility to play either strong or free safety if need be. That means the ‘Cats can essentially start anyone alongside Walters, and they’ll have a few options to choose from.

Michigan State transfer Dillon Tatum may be the early favorite. He suffered a season-ending injury last year and missed three games two seasons ago due to an injury, but he did start eight games with the Spartans in 2023, putting up 45 tackles and seven passes defensed. Fitzgerald and Garner Wallace should both push for meaningful snaps as well, and Braun gave particularly high praise to Wallace at Media Days for his development heading into 2025.

On the other hand, Braun mysteriously didn’t mention Tatum at all during his opening statement at Media Days despite shouting out Walters, Fitzgerald and Wallace by name. This may not end up being noteworthy, as Tatum transferred after spring practice, and Braun didn’t mention Turner either despite talking about Fussell, Davis and Adeyi. However, it is still interesting that the Spartan transfer didn’t come up at all in Braun’s introductory remarks, which were presumably prepared to some extent. Deriving any grand takeaways from offseason Braun media availabilities is always a dangerous game

Tatum’s track record suggests he should play a significant amount in 2025, but his return from injury is something to keep a close eye on, especially during the opening game against Tulane.

Key Player

Damon Walters

A couple of the cornerbacks may outperform Walters in 2025, but the Bolingbrook, Ill. native is young and likely to be a full-time starter for the Wildcats this season. With the departures of Azema and Devin Turner, Walters, who was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention as a redshirt freshman in 2024, will be incredibly crucial for the success of the defense next season.

Big Question

Can any cornerback match the production of Theran Johnson?

Probably not, but there’s much more depth in the CB room than there was last season. Johnson was the only meaningful loss at corner, and Davis has star potential while Adeyi will likely provide some value in his return. Most of all, there’s a lot to love about the young talent of Fussell, who excelled towards the end of his redshirt freshman season and looks to be the surefire CB1 heading into year two.