DeKALB, IL – If there is one thing the Northern Illinois University football team has become known for in the last two years, it is sacking the quarterback. In 2017 the Huskies led the Mid-American Conference with 43 sacks that was fifth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Last season, NIU was one of two programs in FBS to have 50 sacks. The other was national champion Clemson.
 
When head coach Thomas Hammock needed someone to coach the defensive ends, he called upon former teammate Travis Moore. A 2004 graduate, Moore went from walk-on to two-time All-MAC defensive end as a Huskie and is back in DeKalb to guide the current group.
 
"This has always been a dream, to come back to the place I consider my home," Moore said.
 
With two-time All-American Sutton Smith in camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Josh Corcoran starting the NFL preseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Huskies will rely on a group of defensive ends that has played in its share of games but will see a considerable uptick in time on the field.
 
"Anytime you replace two guys that made it to the next level, that's never easy," said Moore. "However, as a coach we welcome that challenge and as a room full of talented young guys, they're yearning for that opportunity."
 
Redshirt-senior Quintin Wynne will be someone looking to fill the void left by Smith and Corcoran. Wynne has played in 35 career games at NIU and played in all 14 games last season with 7.5 tackles for loss.
 
"I've always had the mindset to try to do the best I can, but this is a little bit different being my last year here," said Wynne. "I've got to give it everything I have and make plays."
 
Another player looking to step up is junior Matt Lorbeck. He also appeared in each game in 2018 with three starts including the MAC Championship win over Buffalo. As a rotation player Lorbeck had two sacks against Utah last season as part of his 4.5 sack total for the year.
 
"Coach [Joe] Novak told us all the time that great young men with great character make great football players," Moore said. "So when you talk about a kid like Quintin Wynne or Matt Lorbeck, they have great qualities and those completely transition to the football field. I have no doubt in their ability and I'm just excited to see what comes."
 
"I'm also excited about guys like Michael Kennedy and Jawon Denton, both Chicago natives, and a young guy in Cam Mattox from the south side of Chicago. They have a lot of potential and play with a lot of flash. Marcus Kelly brings experience and the ability to play multiple positions. He has the tough guy mentality and having him in the room definitely makes us a lot better."
 
The Huskies close out training camp on Saturday before preparing for the season opener against Illinois State on August 31.
 
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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