Sophomore defensive lineman Michael Kilbane has solidified a significant role in Northwestern’s front seven this season.
The Lakewood, Ohio, native has logged 18 tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as defensive line coach Christian Smith’s rotation has shined for the Wildcats (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten).
The Daily spoke with Kilbane on Tuesday about his versatility within the defense, playing against his home state’s powerhouse and more as NU prepares to play No. 2 Ohio State at Wrigley Field on Saturday.
This interview has been edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
The Daily: How has this season been going so far for you?
Kilbane: It’s been good. Obviously, (I) wish a few games went our way, but it’s been good playing out there with my teammates and enjoying it.
The Daily: What’s been your primary focus this season?
Kilbane: Just doing whatever I can to help the team win. Doing whatever the coaches ask me to do to put the team in the best spot to win more games.
The Daily: You were the only true freshman not to redshirt last year. What went into that decision?
Kilbane: That was just something with the coaches and me. We had a conversation about it, and they felt like I was ready to play and help the team win games. Obviously, being a freshman, it was really exciting, and I wanted to take the opportunity to do that to help the team in any way I can. And it was just great for me to play and help our team win games.
The Daily: What was it like being a freshman out there with the big guys?
Kilbane: It was really cool. I remember like there were just certain games –– especially Wisconsin –– where I remember just looking up and thinking, ‘Man, this is Big Ten football. I’m on the field. This is really cool.’ And it was just really cool to see finally the culmination of the efforts that finally put me on the field.
The Daily: Speaking of Big Ten football, you had a couple of offers from other Big Ten programs. What made you pick Northwestern?
Kilbane: My relationship with the coaching staff is a big thing, but I also feel like Northwestern is the best place where I can pursue my career. It benefits me both academically and athletically. I think it’s just like the best of both worlds, where I get one of the best academic schools in the nation and Big Ten football on top of that, with a lot of great people in the locker room who are like-minded and want to win.
The Daily: Can you talk about your relationship with Christian Smith?
Kilbane: Coach Smith, I think he’s the best coach in the nation. I mean, ever since I got here, he’s been really intentional in helping me and the other D-linemen get better. I think that he’s done a great job of getting us all to do the right things both on and off the field. And I think that he’s just a great coach and a great mentor.
The Daily: You’ve played several positions on the defensive line. Can you speak about how that process has been?
Kilbane: I think coach Smith and (defensive coordinator) (Tim) McGarigle, whatever matchups they think I would be best used at to help the team get better, or whatever injuries the D-line may have, or, whatever the depth chart might be looking like … I think wherever I can be used to help maximize this team’s probability of winning the game, that’s what I want to do. So, whatever helps the team.
The Daily: Being from Ohio, playing against Ohio State, does that make you more motivated?
Kilbane: Yes and no. My mom went to Ohio State, so I grew up like an Ohio State fan. I think it’s cool to be able to play the team that I rooted for growing up. I think it’s a big moment that I want to play my best in, but I think I have a bigger focus on trying to stay level-headed so I don’t mess up or put too much pressure on myself. I’m just trying to treat it as just another game where we’re trying to win.
The Daily: Playing at Wrigley Field, you did that last year, what’s that like?
Kilbane: It’s awesome. You can’t really replicate it anywhere else because not only is it a baseball stadium, but there’s so much storied tradition there. It’s awesome. Downtown Chicago, it’s hard to beat.
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