By TRAVIS HARMON-SMITH
Sports Editor
As fall quickly approaches, so does long-awaited football season to Ranger Field.
During the 2013 season, Northwestern finished with a record of 2-9, (2-8 Great American Conference), a difficult transition to being an official NCAA Division II member. Despite the difficulties against conference opponents last season, Northwestern looks to have improved, adding depth to its roster under Coach Alan Hall’s instruction.
“We’re a year older, and with age comes maturity, and with maturity comes growth and development,” said Northwestern head Coach Alan Hall during a recent practice earlier this week.
Hall elaborated on certain areas of the offensive game, showing deep assertiveness in regards to some of the new contributors that the Rangers will use as new weapons this season.
“We have many new freshmen that will contribute to our system,” said Hall. “The addition of new freshman sensation Dashawn Gordon to our offense has really made a huge difference in our play calling.”
Currently, Northwestern’s offensive structure looks more efficient than the schemes run during last year’s season. Hall made numerous changes during the offseason and spring practices to assure better results in the Rangers’ offensive and defensive plans.
“We hired a new offensive coordinator, which made a significant difference in designing our formations; also, we added a new defensive coordinator who brings a high level of experience in coverages and defensive planning,” Hall said.
How will these significant changes in Hall’s philosophy make for a more successful 2014 season?
With the changes in the coaching personnel for Northwestern, the rise in confidence in many of the returning starters and key contributors from last season gives the Rangers a better opportunity for contention in Great American Conference play.
During a practice earlier this week, returning starting redshirt, sophomore quarterback Reid Miller, showed major improvement in his agility, movement and quarterback IQ. Miller elaborated on the changes he has made to improve as a better signal caller for the Rangers.
“I pretty much just worked on fundamental stuff, dropbacks, reading defenses better and post-snaps,” Miller said.
Miller’s corrections from the off season on his fundamentals seems to have paid major dividends in the leadership position at quarterback.
“I watched a lot of film, getting a better understanding of defenses and how to recognize my decision making when needed,” he said.
Offensively, Northwestern will rotate running backs Zachary Doyle and red-shirt freshman Malcolm Robinson.
A key addition in the wide receiver core is true freshman Dashawn Gordon.
Gordon, from southern California, showed flashes of elusiveness and crafty route-running ability in receiver drills earlier this week in practice.
“Dashawn is doing a great job for us. His speed and IQ for the game is key for our offensive game plan,” said Hall.
Returnee and preseason All-GAC selection offensive tackle, Jake McGuire, will be a leader for Northwestern.
While the offense had its ups and downs during the 2013 campaign, Northwestern has shown not only an improved offensive strategy but a better awareness on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Defensively, Northwestern returns a load of experience in the secondary and linebacker positions that will be key for the Ranger defense.
One new addition to the defensive signal-calling is the hiring of Dan Lemke as defensive coordinator. Lemke is a strategic mastermind who will help the defense perform better than it did in the previous season.
Northwestern returns a healthy amount of talented defensive backs, linebackers, and defensive linemen.
Leading the defensive back corps will be senior Traveon Kelly. Kelly, a three-year starter for Northwestern, adds experience that will be a crucial factor in the Northwestern secondary.
“I moved to safety earlier this spring, which was a huge change in the defensive game plans that Coach Lemke has implemented,” said Kelly.
Many members of the defensive unit have bought into new defensive coordinator Dan Lemke’s philosophy, and will capitalize on every new aspect that Lemke brings to the table.
“He’s put us in the best position to be successful. Rather than moving everyone around he has the knowledge for defenses,” said junior linebacker Derrick Thompson.
Thompson, a two-year starter and preseason All-GAC selection looks to be one of the top returning leaders at the linebacker position.
“I just worked on reading my keys better, making sure I know where I am at all times,” said Thompson.
Alongside Thompson at the linebacker position will be another returning first-team All-GAC selection, Alex Hemberger.
Hemberger comes into the 2014 season with many accolades, including Daily Oklahoman College football player of year and scholar-athlete recognition.
“I don’t care about all the hype; I just want to be the best player I can be for my teammates and coaching staff,” said Hemberger.
Northwestern will need junior returnee Jacoby Beasley to provide leadership on the Ranger defensive line.
“I lost a little weight in the offseason to improve my conditioning,” Beasley said. “My weight loss was detrimental for my individual position on the defensive line.”
Hall, along with his new staff, looks to incorporate better decisions and ideas to ensure a successful 2014 campaign.
“All we have to do is pay more attention to our mistakes and learn how to capitalize from them,” Hall said.
Northwestern will open the 2014 season tonight in Searcy, Ark., against conference opponent Arkansas Tech. Kickoff is 7 pm.