Young Huskies seek bounce back season
NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES
COACH: Thomas Hammock (third year)
2020 RECORD: 0-6
2021 MAC MEDIA PREDICTION: Sixth in MAC West
ABOUT THE HUSKIES . . .
A Huskie stumble in 2019 turned into a flat out fall in 2020 as Northern Illinois failed to win a game. Since NIU will still be very young (as in numerous freshmen starting or playing big minutes), a little shot in the arm might help. The Huskies get that boost by way of Michigan State as former Spartan quarterback Rocky Lombardi joins the squad.
HERE’S MORE ON THE HUSKIES . . .
COACH: Thomas Hammock (third year)
2020 RECORD: 0-6
2021 MAC MEDIA PREDICTION: Sixth in MAC West
ABOUT THE HUSKIES . . .
A Huskie stumble in 2019 turned into a flat out fall in 2020 as Northern Illinois failed to win a game. Since NIU will still be very young (as in numerous freshmen starting or playing big minutes), a little shot in the arm might help. The Huskies get that boost by way of Michigan State as former Spartan quarterback Rocky Lombardi joins the squad.
HERE’S MORE ON THE HUSKIES . . .
Tyrice Richie is a key Huskie receiving threat who may benefit from the arrival of transfer quarterbck Rocky Lombardi. OFFENSE:
>> Ross Bowers handled QB duties last year, completing 58 percent of his passes over six games. He tossed 10 TDs and was intercepted twice.
Thanks to the transfer portal (which giveth and taketh away), Former Michigan State starter Rocky Lombardi is now a Huskie. Just last year, he started six games for the Spartans, producing 1,090 passing yards and eight touchdowns. “He's somebody that we can use very well in our offense,”
Hammock said, adding, “He’s picked up our offense very well.”
>> As much as Hammock wants to diversify the offense, the former Huskie running back appreciates the value of a running attack. Fortunately, there are some pieces in the backfield to build upon. Harrison Waylee led NIU with 456 rushing yards in 2020.
>> Senior center Brayden Payne anchors a line with four starters, albeit sophomores and freshman, likely around Payne.
>> “We feel like we could have a dynamic rushing year.” -- Hammock.
>> Senior Tyrice Richie led NIU receivers last year with 53 catches, 597 yards and four scores. “He’s extremely competitive and has a bright future,” Hammock said.
>> Trayvon Rudolph averaged 16.6 ypc, with 14 receptions for 232 yards. Junior Cole Tucker registered 13 catches for 136 yards and two TDs.
>> “We’ve got a very talented offense, and we're excited about being able to put it on the field this year.” -- Hammock.
DEFENSE:
>> Even if the offense improves, getting into the win column more often will likely require significant progress on defense. Northern Illinois was 10th among MAC teams in scoring defense (38.7 ppg). It’s going to be a tough challenge when freshmen dominate the front line. Three started last year, but the unit is still young and undersized. Pierce Oppong and Raishein Thomas will anchor the line.
>> Linebacking should be more of a strength, with Deveren Rayner, senior Kyle Pugh and sophomore Nick Rattin are returning starters. Senior Lance Deveraux Jr. lends experience to the group.
>> Sophomore DB Jordan Gandy (41) and junior Devin Lafayette (36) led the team in tackles last year. Both notched an interception. Freshman Jordan Hansen was a contributor at safety and could expand his production this year.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Senior Matt Ference is NIU’s all-time leading punter with a 41.4-yard average. His 42.2-yard average in 2020 was seventh among MAC punters.
Sophomore kicker John Richardson has been perfect on all 44 of his PAT’s as a Huskie. He converted 7-of-9 field goals last year with a long of 46 yards. Richardson also hit field goals of at least 40 yards in five of six contests.
Rudolph earned Second Team All-MAC honors as a kick returner, averaging 23.9 yards per return.
SCHEDULE:
>> The Huskies have two non-conference road games, as they open at Georgia Tech and visit Michigan in Week Three. Wyoming and Maine, meanwhile, come to DeKalb.
NIU hosts MAC Media preseason favorite Ball State Nov. 10, but the Huskies travel schedule includes trips to Toledo, Central Michigan, Kent State and Buffalo.
>> Ross Bowers handled QB duties last year, completing 58 percent of his passes over six games. He tossed 10 TDs and was intercepted twice.
Thanks to the transfer portal (which giveth and taketh away), Former Michigan State starter Rocky Lombardi is now a Huskie. Just last year, he started six games for the Spartans, producing 1,090 passing yards and eight touchdowns. “He's somebody that we can use very well in our offense,”
Hammock said, adding, “He’s picked up our offense very well.”
>> As much as Hammock wants to diversify the offense, the former Huskie running back appreciates the value of a running attack. Fortunately, there are some pieces in the backfield to build upon. Harrison Waylee led NIU with 456 rushing yards in 2020.
>> Senior center Brayden Payne anchors a line with four starters, albeit sophomores and freshman, likely around Payne.
>> “We feel like we could have a dynamic rushing year.” -- Hammock.
>> Senior Tyrice Richie led NIU receivers last year with 53 catches, 597 yards and four scores. “He’s extremely competitive and has a bright future,” Hammock said.
>> Trayvon Rudolph averaged 16.6 ypc, with 14 receptions for 232 yards. Junior Cole Tucker registered 13 catches for 136 yards and two TDs.
>> “We’ve got a very talented offense, and we're excited about being able to put it on the field this year.” -- Hammock.
DEFENSE:
>> Even if the offense improves, getting into the win column more often will likely require significant progress on defense. Northern Illinois was 10th among MAC teams in scoring defense (38.7 ppg). It’s going to be a tough challenge when freshmen dominate the front line. Three started last year, but the unit is still young and undersized. Pierce Oppong and Raishein Thomas will anchor the line.
>> Linebacking should be more of a strength, with Deveren Rayner, senior Kyle Pugh and sophomore Nick Rattin are returning starters. Senior Lance Deveraux Jr. lends experience to the group.
>> Sophomore DB Jordan Gandy (41) and junior Devin Lafayette (36) led the team in tackles last year. Both notched an interception. Freshman Jordan Hansen was a contributor at safety and could expand his production this year.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Senior Matt Ference is NIU’s all-time leading punter with a 41.4-yard average. His 42.2-yard average in 2020 was seventh among MAC punters.
Sophomore kicker John Richardson has been perfect on all 44 of his PAT’s as a Huskie. He converted 7-of-9 field goals last year with a long of 46 yards. Richardson also hit field goals of at least 40 yards in five of six contests.
Rudolph earned Second Team All-MAC honors as a kick returner, averaging 23.9 yards per return.
SCHEDULE:
>> The Huskies have two non-conference road games, as they open at Georgia Tech and visit Michigan in Week Three. Wyoming and Maine, meanwhile, come to DeKalb.
NIU hosts MAC Media preseason favorite Ball State Nov. 10, but the Huskies travel schedule includes trips to Toledo, Central Michigan, Kent State and Buffalo.
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