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NU’s Persa might not be ready for opener

It’s a Northwestern tradition for the captains to meet with the media the Monday before the season opener.

Tradition took a tweaking Monday when senior quarterback Dan Persa didn’t join the dais alongside tackle Al Netter, cornerback Jordan Mabin and safety Brian Peters.

Persa was said to be in the midst of a rehab session for his healed right Achilles tendon.

Reading between irked NU coach Pat Fitzgerald’s lines, it sounds like the reigning first-team all-Big Ten quarterback needs all the rehab he can get in order to contribute to the cause Saturday at Boston College (ESPNU).

“Like I said, I think, 1,000,432 times, he’s a guy that’s going to do everything in his power to get healthy, to get ready to play,” Fitzgerald said. “If he’s ready to go, he’ll start. If he’s not, he won’t. Earth-shattering statement right there.”

Actually, a few tectonic plates shifted on the North Shore because it served as the first intimation Northwestern doesn’t EXPECT Persa to take the first snap.

Sophomore Kain Colter, who flashed considerable potential during last year’s 45-38 TicketCity Bowl loss to Texas Tech, took at least as many reps as Persa throughout fall camp.

The dual-threat quarterback from Denver has been prepared as if he needs to start and take most, if not all, of the snaps against BC.

“Internally, we’ll make that decision prior to game day,” Fitzgerald said. “Externally, you guys will find out when the ball goes in the air.”

The potential time-share situation sounds reminiscent of Northwestern’s unexpected win on Nov. 7, 2009, at No. 4 Iowa — the program’s only win over a Top 5 team in the last 50 years.

Starting quarterback Mike Kafka, hobbled by an injured hamstring, platooned with an up-and-coming Persa in the 17-10 upset.

Kafka started and handled most of the passing while Persa did plenty of running, though he delivered the game-winning play-action touchdown pass once the Hawks became convinced he’d do nothing but run.

Colter completed 3 of 9 passes for 38 yards and 1 interception during his three relief stints at the end of 2010, but he’s a different thrower this fall.

Not only does he have more shoulder strength (he tore his labrum in September 2009 and underwent surgery), he operates the passing portion of NU’s spread offense much more fluently.

“He’s been outstanding,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s got a great grasp of the offense. Can make all the throws. Very dynamic with the ball in his hands.”

On one play during Northwestern’s big fall scrimmage in Kenosha, Wis., Colter deked outside linebacker Collin Ellis (who’s out at least for the first two games with a broken right thumb) completely out of position on an option read.

Colter figures to cause Boston College, which led the nation in rushing defense last year with 82.8 yards per game and 2.68 yards per carry, much more concern than the still-limping Persa.

“We’re just preparing for whichever situation presents itself,” Netter said. “Both Kain and Dan have been putting in great reps with the ‘1s’ and they’re both been preparing like they’re going to be the starting quarterback.

“I think it’s safe to say, come Saturday, we’re going to see either one of them, and they’re both prepared.”