On May 26th, Northwestern’s special teams unit was dealt a serious blow. Solomon Vault’s season-ending lower body surgery forced the Wildcats to fill a gaping hole at kickoff returner. Vault’s game-breaking kickoff return abilities have proved vital in the last three years. His 95-yard kickoff return touchdown last year against Michigan State broke the game open just after Michigan State had mounted a small comeback. IN 2015, his touchdown against Duke completely turned the game around. Vault was able to use his speed and big-play ability to change the momentum in key spots. Without him the two games mentioned above and others would have been in serious doubt.
With Vault injured, Northwestern has a murky situation at kick returner
