The Northern Illinois University football team spent extensive time in 11-on-11 situations during the sixth of 15 spring practices Saturday at Huskie Stadium. The two-hour workout in full pads included red zone and move the ball periods.

NIU head coach Thomas Hammock was pleased with the way the Huskie defense’s level of play, and depth, has challenged the offense in every practice.

“Obviously we’ve tried to build up to more 11-on-11 where guys don’t know what call is coming next and have to anticipate things,” Hammock said.  “I was pleased with the work [Saturday]. Our defense is playing at a very good level; our offense better treat it like a game every time they come out here.  I like the way the guys are practicing; they are taking care of one another. We’ve put a lot of install in through the first six practices and now it will be mainly tweaks and nuances so the guys can go back and study it, do it again and be able to make the plays.”

NIU welcomed a group of nine players at mid-year with many of the group contending for spots on the depth chart and in the line-up come August 31st.  Examples include linebacker Christian Fuhrman (SEMO) is working alongside veteran Jaden Dolphin in the number one linebacker unit, while tight end Jake Appleget (Nebraska) had a touchdown catch in red zone work, as well as a diving sideline grab.

Hammock said the Huskies want to make sure the transfers, as well as freshmen who come into the program, are first, a good fit.

“With the group that came in mid-year, number one they came in and learned how we do things, worked tremendously hard and fit in with the guys,” Hammock said. “Fit is the most important to continue to build on the culture we have. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with those guys and the depth and competition they’ve added to our team.

“Individually, they are making plays. Christian Furman is a really good player and Mark Pretto (Fordham) is another linebacker who we feel is going to help us on defense. Offensively, we have two receivers, Kenji Lewis (UAPB) and Andrew McElroy (St. Thomas), who are going to be in our top six or seven receivers. Jake Appleget is a skilled tight end to add to that group and then obviously we have Jalen Macon (UAPB) and Kenny Lueth (American River College) competing at quarterback.

“The young [true freshman] corner, Deshaun Gibson is a really good player Aiden Olson has done a nice job jumping in there on the offensive line.”

The competition at quarterback continues to progress, Hammock said, with three of the six players at that position separating themselves through the first six practices.

“We feel like we have three guys right now that have kind of separated themselves,” Hammock said. “I’m not going to name them, but I really like where they’re at, how they are competing and how they’re handling the offense. We want to see how those guys grow over the next couple of weeks. We have a lot of practices left, followed by the summer, and then training camp. So, this is really just the first round [of competition]. We have to continue to give them a lot of reps, but I really feel like in the next three months, we’ll find the guy that can lead this team in the right direction.”

The Huskies return to practice Tuesday morning to begin the third week of spring workouts. Spring practices conclude with the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 27 at Huskie Stadium. For the complete schedule, see 2024 Spring Football Central on NIUHuskies.com.

NIU’s 2024 schedule includes six home games, five on Saturday, along with road games at Notre Dame (Sept. 7) and N.C. State (Sept. 28). Season ticket prices start at just $105 or get reserved West Side seats starting at $152. Discounts are available and parking is included. Season ticket members also receive additional benefits like invitations to special events and access to away game tickets. Go to NIUHuskies.com/myhuskies or call 815-753-PACK to create your account, renew or purchase new season tickets.