Aug. 7, 2015

DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University Huskies took the field in helmets and shorts for the second straight day as NIU Head Coach Rod Carey and his staff put the Huskies through a 90-minute practice Friday afternoon at Huskie Stadium.

The Huskies concentrated on fundamentals for the second straight day, before moving into seven-on-seven drills late in the workout. The practice concluded with the Huskie freshmen getting a chance to run plays in a full team (11-on-11) situation.

Although NIU’s 2015 Training Camp is only in its second day, Carey said the Huskies are actually ahead of where they have been at this point in camp in previous years due to the work done by the team throughout the summer.

“[Being in helmets and shorts] gives us a good time to assess the fundamentals,” Carey said. “These two days give you a good starting point, which is the result of the summer access. The starting point I’ve seen right now is as good or better than any season since we’ve been here.”

On a perfect late summer day with temperatures in the low 80s and a slight breeze blowing, Carey also liked what the Huskies players brought to the practice.

“Our tempo and energy were both good,” he said. “They are excited to be playing football again. You can’t see too much in helmets and shorts, but I see speed. They run well.”

While the fundamentals and knowledge of the plays were on display, these first two days of practice are also a time when it’s easy to focus on the skill players.

“You can tell more about the skill guys in helmets than you can with the linemen,” Carey said. “The skill guys are playing football, doing pretty much what they will do in a game minus the blocking and tackling, which is a big part of the game, but you can tell a little more. The linemen will really be able to see starting [Saturday].”

NIUHuskies.com's 2015 Camp Central is your place for all the news and updates on the NIU Football team's preparations for the 2015 season. There you’ll find practice updates, position previews, video interviews and highlights as well as practice schedule changes and more all throughout camp.

NIU Football 2015 season tickets are still on sale and remain the best value in Chicagoland. Season ticket prices begin for as little as $99, a 61 percent discount off the single game price. Other ticket options include two different three-game mini-plans for just $75, the new Huskie Family Pack, which includes four season tickets in sections A, B, F or G of Huskie Stadium for just $299 or the Young Alumni Ticket, with two East Side season tickets for $115 for all 2014-15 NIU graduates. Faculty and staff, senior citizens (62 and over) and NIU Alumni Association members can purchase season tickets for just $115.

In addition to the Seats for Soldiers program for donated tickets, single game, three-game mini-plan and group tickets are on sale now. Check out the 50th Anniversary ticket special presented by Hy-Vee offering tickets in section A and G on the West Side of Huskie Stadium for $19.65 each. These tickets are available for purchase online only by using the promo code “1965”. CLICK HERE to order.

To become an NIU season ticket holder or to purchase mini-plans, the Family Pack or single game tickets, go online anytime to NIUHuskies.com/tickets or call 815-753-PACK (7225) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Or check out the premium areas available for 2015, including bench back seating, the Coaches’ Club or the new End Zone Club! The Huskies’ newest premium area is located at field level, just outside of the South End Zone and provides fans with a completely unique view of the action, as well as food and beverages. For more information, go to huskieathleticfund.com.

-- NIU --

Twitter: @NIUAthletics
Facebook: NIU Huskies
Instagram: niuhuskies