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How recruits choosing offense over defense has helped (and hurt) Northwestern football

Pat Fitzgerald lets his recruits choose offense or defense. It's a good idea, except when they almost all pick defense.

EVANSTON -- Godwin Igwebuike didn't know what to do.

"It was breaking my heart," he said.

Would the Pickerington, Ohio native who racked up 1,985 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns his senior season ditch the position where he was a finalist for Mr. Football in his home state, an AP first-team All-Ohio selection and named the Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year?

Would the No. 39 "athlete" prospect in the nation opt to play defense over running back?