Big Ten Football: Each team’s most important newcomer for 2020

The Wildcats had one of their worst seasons in the Pat Fitzgerald era of Northwestern football. The offense was bad. They were one of the worst units in the country. Only Rutgers was worse in the Big Ten.

They got little production from any of their offensive starters. Transfer quarterback Hunter Johnson was a bust in his first year as a starter. Running back Jeremy Larkin was forced to retire win 2018 which was a huge blow to the Wildcats offense going into last season. It was apparent by their 3.8 yards per carrying their run game suffered.

So why choose a defensive lineman as the Wildcats’ most important recruit? It is apparent by the way the Wildcats recruited they are content with their offensive skill position players. They signed just four offensive skill players.

Though the offense was lacking last season, eight of their 17 signees were on defense. Butler was their best signee on defense. His ability to play either over the center or over guard gives him versatility. He uses his hands well and can shed double teams in the middle.

In a program that likes to redshirt players, Butler can play right away.