DEKALB, Ill. – If last season showed Huskie fans anything, the tight ends and full backs play a key role in the success of the Northern Illinois offense. It's an important position in any offense as both need to be able to block in the run game and be active participants in the passing game.
 
NIU tight ends and full backs coach Tony Sorrentino walked into not only the deepest rooms on the offensive side of the ball, but one of the smartest as well.
 
"They work really hard and they're really smart, top to bottom," said NIU tight ends/fullbacks coach Tony Sorrentino. "They want to contribute on special teams, which is huge because we talk about it all the time. They're versatile in the run game, pass protection and the passing game. We have guys that can do multiple things for us. It's all about mismatches."
 
Last season, the Huskies were 4-0 in games Mitchell Brinkman played, including the 30-29 victory over Buffalo in the 2019 MAC Championship game. In his first game of the season, a triple overtime win at Eastern Michigan, the Huskies rushed for, at the time, a season-best 235 yards, in large part to Brinkman's blocking.
 
"The tight ends play a huge role in this offense," Brinkman said. "Obviously we're an extension of the O-line in the run game and an extension of the receivers in the pass game. We take pride in owning the middle of the field, whether that's against linebackers or safeties, we want to own the middle of the field."
 
Corey Lersch, a linebacker turned tight end last season, developed rapidly in Brinkman's limited availability. After starting against Florida State, Ohio and BYU, Lersch made a breakthrough at Akron with two receptions for 23 yards inclduing a touchdown. He followed up that performance with two receptions for 35 yards in a victory over Toledo. The Huskies also rushed for a season-high 296 yards in each game as well.
 
However, Lersch was lost for the final two games of the regular season, both NIU losses, after going down with an injury against Miami. The Huskies lost another solid tight end before the season even began when Daniel Crawford was injured in spring last year. Crawford is enjoying being back in the fold.
 
"Last year, missing practice, it really hurt me," Crawford said. "To be back out here with my teammates and the brotherhood, and feel all of that again, it's great to be back out here and try and contribute."
 
NIU head coach Thomas Hammock not only knows the value of the tight end but the fullback as well, which is why he brought the fullback position back to NIU, and he knows what he wants from the position.
 
"They have to show a level of physicality that they can move guys off the ball, whether it be a defensive end or a linebacker," Hammock said of the fullbacks. "We've got some guys that are auditioning for that role with Brett Bostad, Max Thrower and Corey Lersch. Having the ability to use the fullback adds another element to the offense."
 
"We always preach being physical, whether it be in the pass game or the run game," Sorrentino said. "They've really adapted to that. The fullbacks have taken on the persona of being physical. We have to be able to run the ball here and they know that."
 
Hammock was pleased with today's practice. The Huskies turned in a two-plus-hour workout at Huskie Stadium in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets on a beautiful Friday afternoon. He was pleased with his squad's performance today.
 
"The intensity and attention to detail today was fantastic," Hammock said. "I saw guys making plays and practicing hard. I saw 80 plays of good football."
 
NIU returns to the practice field in full pads on Saturday for an extended scrimmage.
 
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.
 
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