By David Brauer, NIU Assistant Media Relations Director

Northern Illinois' Doug Free represents many things to many people. Huskie fans see one of the best offensive tackles to play at Northern Illinois and an All-America candidate. Personnel evaluators from the National Football League see a blue-chip prospect for the 2007 Draft. NIU coaches and teammates see a leader and one of the team's most talented players. For Doug Free himself, the journey to the present is a tale of hard work, dedication, and persistence.

As a senior at East High School in Manitowoc, Wis., Free was a 6-5, 240-pound, tight end and defensive lineman wondering if he would have an opportunity to play college football at all, let alone at the Division I level. Enter NIU head coach Joe Novak, who saw Free as a potential offensive tackle, much to the surprise of Free himself.

"Doug is a typical MAC recruit, someone you take a shot on," Novak said. "I recruited him as a tackle and told him that if he didn't grow into that role he could still be a tight end. We hoped he would grow and get bigger and he did. He's an athletic kid who filled out and kept his footwork and agility."

Free was honored by the recruitment, yet admits to wondering how he would grow into the size required to play offensive tackle at the Division I-A level. His sights had previously been set on playing defensive end at a Division II school.

"Entering my senior year, I really didn't have much thought about playing college football," Free said. "My brother (Nick) played at Minnesota-Duluth, but I thought he was a lot better player than I was. I envisioned myself playing defensive end, a position I was more familiar with, and doing so at a smaller school. Coach Novak wanted to make me a tackle and I was a little amazed by that considering my size at the time."

In his older brother, Nick, Free had a role model who showed him the value of a strong work ethic while pushing him to get better. During high school, Free counts his defensive coach, Dana Bongle, who had played college football himself, as a valuable resource and someone who pushed him to work hard.

NIU's scholarship opportunity was too enticing to pass up. Free followed the advice of his mother who told him that the opportunity was "something that you can't go back and have again, so take advantage of it."

Entering campus as a freshman is a daunting task for anyone, especially a college football player. When reporting to DeKalb for two-a-days, Free and current Huskie senior Matt Rogers were the only two rookie offensive linemen. The ensuing practices caused some doubt in the young prodigy's mind.

"It was quite a transition coming to college with the change of lifestyle, not having parents around, and a bit of doubt whether I could really do this or not," Free said. "We went through a lot of rough stuff with drills. I considered myself a pretty good high school player, but once we got into the season, I was on the scout team and getting whipped by the defensive guys."

While spending his first college season as a redshirt, Free continued to train hard. The previous concern of putting on enough weight to hold his own on the offensive line was becoming less of an issue. Free's dedication in the weight room was evident.

One year later as a redshirt freshman, Free earned the starting left tackle job during training camp, beginning a streak of 39 consecutive starts that continues to this day.

"Going into my first game as a starter against Maryland (in 2003) I was playing pretty well and it clicked that I can do this," Free said. "That first year of getting beat up a lot made me figure out how to do things. I learned more about run blocking, pass blocking and technique. I figured out the footsteps, and it all became a lot easier."

Aiding Free's progression on the line were the veterans of the group.

"That first season, I had Ben Lueck to help me when things got tough during games," Free added. "He was always there to help with the mental side as well."

From there, Free's weight and production increased and his stock rose. As a rookie, he earned third-team freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News. The next year, he was a second-team All-MAC selection by the league's coaches and by his junior campaign, Free was earning first-team All-MAC and honorable mention All-America accolades.

Free's work in the weight room was key to his progression. He has recorded an impressive 500-pound squat lift and a 355-pound bench press during conditioning workouts while still retaining athleticism that includes a 29-inch vertical jump.

"I never focused on how much weight to gain through the years, it has all come naturally," Free said. "Weight lifting is something I like to do, whether part of an offseason regiment or when I can during the season. You get beat up during the season, but to go in and beat yourself up for another hour or two in the weight room is a great feeling."

Free also has excelled in the classroom as an Industrial Technology major while warranting nominations for several academic honors. His physical work ethic carries over into his coursework, as evidenced by his 3.36 grade point average, which is among the highest on the team.

Free had an especially meaningful honor bestowed on him last spring by his peers, when he was elected as one of the team's four captains for 2006.

"I was hoping to be named a captain, but was not sure it would come about," Free said. "I am honored the guys on the team elected me. I like to lead by example and usually do not say too much. To me, watching someone do something right is most important. I do what I can and hopefully people watch, learn and follow."

A quiet leader who prefers to stay out of the limelight, Free found himself among the most notable players in Huskie history and garnered plenty of attention leading into this season. Now at 6-7 and 315 pounds, Free entered his senior campaign with a myriad of recognition varying from a spot on the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Watch Lists, to several All-America teams and his selection as a preseason consensus All-MAC choice.

For Free, the goals and rewards are fittingly low key.

"Personally, I take the greatest pride in my career starts streak," Free said. "I've played through nicks and bruises but I won't let that stop me because I love the game too much. The main thing is that other guys on the team are counting on me and looking for leadership. I will not let them down."

Free also sees the performance of others as a way to evaluate his work on the line.

"Blocking grades from (offensive line) coach (Sam) Pittman are a nice thing to look at and see if you are playing well. I also grade myself on how Garrett (Wolfe) and the skill position players do because it shows me how well I am doing and how well the offensive line is performing."

Free is on the radar of scouts throughout the NFL. His athletic ability, size and natural fit at left tackle make him a desired commodity at the next level.

"I have always been very high on Doug Free," said draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. "He is a tremendous physical specimen, is very light on his feet for his size, and is an explosive run blocker. He has the chance to be a first or second rounder in the 2007 draft."

NFL personnel evaluators see Free as a player who can continue to add weight while retaining his outstanding athletic ability.

"Doug is playing at 315 pounds and the scouts feel he could add another 15 pounds to his frame," Novak said.

While he is aware of the NFL's presence and their interest in him, Free's priorities are on the field and the Huskies' quest for the MAC Championship. His work ethic and commitment level continue while he fulfills his role as a team leader.

"Having the NFL scouts around adds a little extra pressure, but we have goals to achieve here, especially winning a MAC Championship. I am focusing every day and working as hard as I have since I got here. From that standpoint, nothing has changed."

As the realization sets in that his career as a Huskie is coming to a close, Free takes his role as captain and mentor for young players seriously.

"When I came in, I was looking up to the older guys and now I am an older guy," Free said. "Now young guys look up to me. I keep working hard while showing them how they can improve."

Another priority for Free is finishing his degree, which he is scheduled to complete in December. After the NIU season is over and he graduates, Free can then focus on his pursuit of a career in the NFL. Based on his discussions with NFL scouts, Novak predicts that in April, Free could make history as the Huskies' highest draft choice ever.

"Doug has a lot of football ahead of him," said Novak. "He is a true left tackle and that ability is hard to find. He has all the intangibles. He is a great kid, a great student, a great learner, and a hard worker with great character."

This feature appeared in the September 23 (Indiana State) issue of Huskie Illustrated, the official Northern Illinois football magazine.