Northwestern's Kain Colter will play quarterback full-time in the spring as he competes to be the Wildcats' starting quarterback, reports Adam Rittenberg of ESPN Chicago. Colter was the back-up to Dan Persa for Northwestern in 2011, also spending significant time at running back and wide receiver.
Colter had an impressive season for Northwestern in 2011. He started three times at quarterback, completing 55 of 82 passes for 673 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Additionally, he carried the ball 135 times for 654 yards and caught the ball 43 times for 466 yards, scoring 12 total touchdowns himself.
Arm strength has been a question for Colter since he tore the labrum and biceps in his throwing arm as a senior in high school, but Wildcats offensive coordinator Mick McCall thinks he'll be just fine.
He's much stronger now than he was. I don't feel like that’s going to be an issue, but he's got to go out and do it, too. He's got to do a great job of anticipating breaks and taking control of the offense, not just being a playmaker but distributing the ball to our playmakers.
For now, Colter will have to compete in the spring before officially being tabbed starter. Sophomore Trevor Siemian and redshirt freshman Zack Oliver will also be possibilities for the Wildcats at quarterback.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Wildcats, visit SB Nation's Northwestern blog Sippin' On Purple.