Aug. 2, 2007
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Quotes from NIU Football Media Day at Soldier Field 8/1/07
Associate VP/ Athletic Director - Jim Phillips
" I'm thrilled that we were able to get this game at Soldier Field. We've been trying to get this done for a few years now, my hand shook with excitement as I signed the contract to rent the facility. To be sold out
with two months to go is a great thing for us. I am very excited about this upcoming season and about all the things that we have in the works on our campus."
Head Football Coach - Joe Novak
-On the Soldier Field game
"When I came to DeKalb we had some dreams, one was to build a facility in the north end zone and another was to play a game at Soldier Field. I'm happy to say we moved into the Yordon Center on Thursday and it is a big, classy, functional facility.
"I don't think we could have chose a better opponent than Iowa to bring in here with us. With the way they travel and their passion for football. I hope that with the way we responded on this one, that we may be able to come to Soldier Field again in a few years, maybe with Illinois or Northwestern."
- On the upcoming season
"Every few years we have a mystery team, where we do not know exactly how good they will be. We went to Detroit last week for MAC media day and they don't think that we will be worth a darn, but I like that and I think our players like it when people doubt our ability. We do not have a lot of seniors, only ten or so on this years team, our juniors dominate it. Larry English, Dan Nicholson, Britt Davis and Jon Brost have played a lot of football for us. We have some playmakers and some talented kids who have not had a chance to play a whole lot yet."
- On the state of the running game
"People ask if we have another Garrett Wolfe or Michael Turner looming; my answer is that we didn't know we had a Garrett Wolfe until he started playing. Before Garrett got going he played in spots and showed some signs. Before Montell (Clanton) got hurt last year he showed us some signs too. It may not be one guy with 1,900 yards. Maybe Clanton will have 800 yards, Justin Anderson will have 500 and David Bryant will have 400. Only time will tell as these kids get on the field and earn playing time."
- On the upcoming season
"I think this team may be one of our better teams defensively. We always have a strong offense and just an average defense. This team may be stronger year defensively because of the depth, talent and athleticism we have on that side of the ball. If we have any question marks on the team right now it's the offensive line. We only have one senior in Chris Acevedo, the rest of the guys are underclassmen. We struggled a little last year and we have to sure up that area up a little bit, Jon Brost will be a leader for that group, he has played a lot of good football for us."
- On the receivers
"I think this is as good a corps of wide receivers as we have ever had. With Britt Davis and Matt Simon coming back as well as Marcus Perez and Marcus Lewis who is a sophomore now."
Junior DE - Larry English
- On the huskies' defense
"We have a lot of depth and plenty of guys who can play. Tim McCarthy and myself are not the only guys on this team who can play defense and make plays. We definitely have some guys who are going to come out and surprise some people, both back-ups and young players who can get the job done."
- On playing at Soldier Field
"I remember being real young and watching Richard Dent play here as a defensive end and its exciting to be able to play on the same field. I think the nerves will be gone by game time."
Junior QB - Dan Nicholson
- On the passing game
"With all the talent we have at receiver led by Britt Davis, Matt Simon, Marcus Perez its going make it an exciting year for us in the passing game."
- On playing at Soldier Field
"Obviously being from Chicago makes it a little more special, all of my family and friends are excited to see us play at Soldier Field, everybody has been looking for tickets now that they are sold out. It is very cool to be playing here."
Junior RB - Montell Clanton
-On the upcoming season
"We've had a lot of great backs over the years. I'm just going to get out there and do my best to help the team win. We have a lot of talented guys and we all want to do our best to get the job done."
Junior OL - Jon Brost
-On the upcoming season
"I definitely do not like it that the offensive line is the question mark going into camp. I think that we have some young guys, but they have experience and we are forming some good chemistry. I liked the way we performed in the spring game and I'm confident that we will do well."
Senior PK - Chris Nendick
- On the upcoming season
"I'm excited going into what could be my last 12 games. I'm especially excited about playing in Soldier Field, going to Wisconsin and Navy, its going to be fun."
-On playing at Soldier Field
"I am going to tell the guys that it (Soldier Field) is big and its going to be loud. Hopefully, a nice chunk of that crowd will be our fans but it should be great. I hadn't seen the renovation, it looks unbelievable."
SR DB - Mark Reiter
- On playing at Soldier Field
"It's an impressive stadium, its big and beautiful but once that games started it's just us and those 11 other guys. On game day we will block all of this out and try to get the job done."
- On the upcoming season
"I'm very excited going into my last season, I hope that it is a success and I am confident that it will be because we have worked so hard in the off-season."
