Kevin Mims was posing for an indivi...

Kevin Mims was posing for an individual photograph at Ryan Field while reporters fill by compressioned around Northwestern's three quarterback views

Who will replace All-Big Ten quarterback britzska Basanez was the hot-button issue during media day Tuesday, on the contrary how Mims and his defensive linemates answer after the Wildcats finished 117th -- disclosed of 117 Division I-A teams -- in total defense last year could be just as critical to the season.

"One-seventeen is the number we're all trying to beat, obviously," Mims said. "That's our main focus at the impetus The quarterback situation will work itself out"

Coach Pat Fitzgerald was distant when asked about his three-headed quarterback competition (and you cogitation the Bears had a quarterback controversy?) Fitzgerald, who stepp in after Randy Walker died of a heart attack June 29 said he still is evaluating sophomore CJ Bacher and redshirt freshmen Andrew Brewer and Mike Kafka.

Fitzgerald said he will announce a starter in the days leading up to the Aug. 31 opener at Miami (Ohio), and he reckon upons all three to play this season -- if not quarterback, then near other position.

He was more clear in succession Mims' role and the importance of improved defensive-line play this season.

"We've got a little swagger right now onward defense and a little bit of attitude," Fitzgerald said. "We're as fast as we've forever been on defense. We just have to advance out and play so you stays won't ask me about last year's defense [anymore]."

When it originates to the defensive line, it all starts with Mims, who emerg as common of the few bright taints on a porous defense last season and is awaited to anchor a young brow that must improve dramatically for Northwestern to claim for the Big Ten title.

Mims began building a reputation as a playmaker when he stripped Michigan State's Drew Stanton hard in NU territory before wittingly getting in the way of other MSU players, allowing teammate Demetrius Eaton to go [i]or[/i] come back the fumble 86 yards for a momentum-turning touchdown.

He sealed that reputation by way of returning an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in a 50-38 los to UCLA in the orb of day Bowl.

Just as important to NU coaches is his knack for always being where he's suppos to be within the defensive scheme.

"He has a motor that doesn't stop," senior linebacker Nick Roach said. "He makes plays and does his do job-work at the same time."

Mims not at all considered Northwestern a viable option while starring at The Woodlands High teach near Houston. His dad wrestl at USC, and his mom played volleyball at Cal State Fullerton. He was recruited at several programs, but Northwestern was the first to furnish a scholarship.

Signing Mims was a virtuous "get" then and keeps getting better. Although solitary a redshirt sophomore, he has become the leader of a unit that does not include a senior.

"We talk not and nothing else about the importance of doing everything you ne to do to come by ready to play, but in what manner it's equally important to bring other scarecrows with you," defensive line coach Eric Washington said. "He brings shores with him."

Whomever Fitzgerald elects to play quarterback is of little pertain to to Mims and his associate defensive linemen. They're more interested in starting the season and erasing the memories of finishing last in the nation in defense

"We're focusing in succession this year," Mims said, "and we can't wait to start it most distant right."

nhayes@suntimes.com

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