Five days ago, Faraji Leary was a defensive back and Joel Stuart could count the number of his career receptions on two fingers.
But after Northwestern’s 24-0 victory Saturday over Oklahoma in the season-opening Pigskin Classic, there was Leary, being asked to detail his first collegiate rushing touchdown. And there was Stuart, recalling how he quadrupled his reception total in a single Saturday afternoon.
Signs, it seems, that the magic of recent Northwestern seasons remains intact.
“The thing is, everybody on this team is very talented,” said Leary, whose score with 9 minutes 14 seconds to play marked the Wildcats’ first TD of the season. “It’s not just one guy that is going to make the same play week in and week out this year. Different guys are going to make the plays each week.”
Indeed, with the departures of such standbys as Steve Schnur and Darnell Autry, consulting a team program may be the most popular move for the Northwestern faithful this season. And Leary and Stuart should be two names worth memorizing.
Leary, who found out he was being switched from defensive back after practice Monday and logged just two practices at tailback, finished with 29 yards on 11 carries and also caught two passes for 37 yards. Stuart started at tight end only because sophomore Jay Tant is battling foot injuries. He posted career highs with six catches for 79 yards.
And while both proved instrumental in the victory, it proved a close call between the two afterward in the battle for humility and understatement.
“Coach (Gary) Barnett has been harping on us about seizing the day or seizing the opportunity,” said Stuart. “I got my opportunity today.”
Said Leary: “I waited four years for my first touchdown, and I finally got the opportunity today and took advantage of it.”
Barnett proved a little more forthcoming: “That was a big game for Joel because he’s a guy who hasn’t played a whole lot for us. For him to come out and catch the ball the way he did is going to add to our offense.”
Parallels can be drawn between the careers of Leary and Stuart. Both sat behind talented starters in their quest for more playing time. Both refused to get down, remaining confident in their abilities to contribute.
Also, both know their roles haven’t changed because of a good opening game. Leary remains Adrian Autry’s backup and when Tant returns from injury, tight end could be up for grabs. But for one afternoon, things sure seemed good.
