Northwestern Football Recruiting: A Look at the Wildcats' 2012 Class

The 2012 recruiting class for Northwestern is not only the largest class in head coach Pat Fitzgerald's six seasons with the Wildcats, but it is also arguably the most talented in his tenure.

This season's class features 21 signees, including 10 on offense, 10 on defense and one specialist. Two are four-star recruits and twelve are three-stars as rated by Rivals.

Northwestern's most notable additions will be made on the defensive front.  Interestingly enough, this year's class does not feature a single quarterback.

Ifeadi Odenigbo, a 6'4" 210 lb. defensive end out of Centerville, Ohio leads the class. Defensive end Odenigbo is ranked at No. 9 in the nation and No. 4 from Ohio by Rivals.

Another superior addition is Greg Kuhar, a 6'3" 265 lb. defensive tackle from Concord Township, Ohio.

The Wildcats will also make five new additions on the offensive line.  The most notable is 6'5" 270 lb Adam DePietro from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In-state recruit Malin Jones, Northwestern's lone new recruit at running back, looks to have a bright future in Evanston at 6'2" 190 lbs.

Safeties Traveon Henry from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Eric Wilson from Redford, Michigan will look to be strong additions to the Wildcat backfield.

2012's new Wildcats will help replace the loss of 25 seniors, including 11 starters, most notably quarterback Dan Persa, tight end Drake Dunsmore, left tackle Al Netter and defensive end Vince Brown.  This year's class will also help lead Northwestern to their first bowl victory since a Rose Bowl victory over California in 1949.

Northwestern's entire 2012 recruiting can be seen here.