June 22, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Senior cornerback/kick returner Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) and junior center Trevor Rees (Pearland, Texas/Pearland), starters on Northwestern's 2003 and 2004 football teams, will not play this fall for the Wildcats.
Backes, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American who recently was named the Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete of the Year by Playboy magazine, is ending his career a few months early due to a lingering shoulder injury. He played in 36 career games and totaled 99 tackles and 14 pass deflections as a defensive back. Backes had one career interception -- a key fourth-quarter pick in NU's 33-27 overtime win over Ohio State in 2004.
"This was a difficult decision for Jeff, and after consulting with many doctors, none could guarantee that he would be healthy and ready to go in August," said Northwestern coach Randy Walker. "He's a tremendous individual who has a bright career in medicine in front of him. I want to salute him for all he's accomplished at Northwestern, both on and off the field."
Backes, who came to Northwestern after earning "Mr. Football" honors in Ohio in 2000-01, began his collegiate career as a running back and wide receiver before making the transition to cornerback. He also excelled as a kickoff and punt returner. Backes closes his career as Northwestern's career leader in kickoff return average with a 26.5 yards per return mark. In 2004, he returned both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown.
Backes, who earned his undergraduate degree last week, now will begin medical school at Northwestern later this summer.
Rees, who started Northwestern's last 21 games at center, will not play this fall after being suspended for academic reasons. Rees was one of two returning starters on NU's offensive line. He was ranked the No. 40 center nationally by one preseason publication.
"We're disappointed that Trevor came up short in the classroom," says Walker. "More important than his return as a player, we want him to get his academic standing back in order and eventually graduate. From what I've been told, there is a possibility he could return to Northwestern next year, but that responsibility now rests on his shoulders."