DeKALB, IL – The Northern Illinois University Huskies held their final preseason media day Tuesday in the Barsema Hall of Champions and held its first practice in full pads later in the afternoon on a full fifth day of preseason camp.
 
Head Coach Thomas Hammock, Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier met with the local media Tuesday. Quarterback Marcus Childers, running backs Tre Harbison and Rahveon Valentine, defensive tackles Jack Heflin and Weston Kramer, offensive lineman Christopher Perez, linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis, and cornerback Antwain Walker were also in attendance
 
During his time in front of the media Tuesday, Coach Hammock expressed how excited he was to see his team in game-type situations in the afternoon's practice. The Huskies worked on situations inside the five-yard line, both going to the end zone as well as getting out of the shadow of their own goalposts.
 
"We were doing some live situations today," Hammock said. "We gave guys an opportunity to tackle and see if they can make plays in space. We gave the offense a look at what it's going to be like when the defense tackles you. We wanted to play it out a bit and see how guys respond and I thought both sides did a good job.
 
"They understand it's time today to tackle and get people down. We've been slowly working up to this point over the last four days. Today was a culmination of putting it all together and execute and be fundamentally strong."
 
The first practice in full pads gave a glimpse at what NIU could look like this season, but also showed that there is still plenty of work to be done in the next 25 days until the season opener against Illinois State at Huskie Stadium.
 
"Obviously, we have a lot of things to clean up but that's why you keep practicing," said Hammock. "Today was a good litmus test to see where we're at exactly. We're going to continue to progress. We have a couple more opportunities where we're going to tackle and do some situations where we can make it as game-like as possible so on August 31 they can be comfortable in those situations."
 
With the Huskies off on Wednesday, Hammock and his coaching staff now prepare for the next five practices that start Thursday.
 
"We had an outline of exactly what we wanted to get done over the first five days. Tomorrow, they'll get a day off and we'll outline what we want to accomplish in the next five practices. We try to take it in five-practice increments where we can make sure we're doing exactly what we have to in order to progress."
 
Follow all the stories and links from 2019 NIU Preseason Camp at Camp Central on NIUHuskies.com.
 
Preseason practices are closed to the public, except for 2:30 p.m. practices on Sunday, August 11 and on Sunday, August 18.  On August 11, all 2019 season ticket members are invited to watch practice and stick around afterwards for a Q&A session with Hammock. The Huskies will hold their annual Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 18 with inflatable games for the kids and an autograph session with the team following the workout. 
 
Season Tickets for all five 2019 NIU home games are still available, starting at as little as $60 for an East Side (general admission) season ticket. Purchase four tickets for family or a group of friends on either the East or West Side for as little as $55 or $75 per person with the Huskie Family Pack, including the ability to purchase tickets at those rates for additional people. 
 
Three-game Mini-Plans, which include a choice of any two Saturday and either #MACtion (weeknight) game are just $70 each for all three games, while the new Huskie Flex Pass offers the chance to purchase a minimum of five tickets to any game or combination of games for $75, or just $15 each. The new Saturdays Special includes a ticket to all three Saturday home games as well as a voucher good for a hot dog, chips and a soda for each game for just $110.
 
To renew or purchase new season tickets and #JointhePack for 2019, click the links above, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tickets are also available by calling 815-753-PACK (7225), emailing huskiestickets@niu.edu or stopping by the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
-NIU-