DEKALB, Ill. – The 2019 Northern Illinois University football team was back on the field for practice two of 20 this preseason and it was a day where both sides of the ball had their moments. Huskie head coach
Thomas Hammock was pleased with what he saw.
"I thought the guys really responded from yesterday's practice," he said. "To come out the second day, the newness has worn off a little bit, but I thought we came out and executed at a high level.
"The great thing about practice today is I thought there were some ebbs and flows on both sides of the ball. In the end, I think both sides stepped up after having some adversity. That's what you look for you."
Continuing their acclimation period, the Huskies worked out in helmets, jerseys and shorts for a two hour and 10 minute workout on the turf of Huskie Stadium on a warm summer Saturday afternoon.
The Huskies spent the first hour of practice working on individual drills, going from station to station. Special teams was the focus of the first six periods of practice, as the guys ran from station to station working on a different aspect of special teams. Meanwhile, the Huskie punters, led by
Matt Ference, were booming punts down to players working on their punt catching skills.
After 30 minutes of individual work, it was time for some one-on-ones as the NIU wide receivers and defensive backs went at it on one half of the field and the tight ends and running backs faced off against the Huskie linebackers on the other half.
The Huskie wideouts looked to have the better of the NIU secondary with several players making catches in stride and in traffic.
Hammock was pleased with what the guys were able to retain from spring practices to fall camp.
"The install meetings went a lot faster and smoother in camp than in the spring," Hammock said. "The benefit of being able to install things in the summertime really helped out. We are a lot further along in our install. We're probably a day and half ahead than what we were in the spring. "
NIU returns to the practice field in shorts and helmets on Sunday. Follow all the stories and links from 2019 NIU Preseason Camp at Camp Central on NIUHuskies.com.
On Sunday, August 11, NIU will welcome all 2019 season ticket members to an exclusive session that will include a team practice at 2:30 p.m., followed by a post-practice Q&A with Hammock in the West Stands of Huskie Stadium. Buy season tickets today to take advantage of this special preseason opportunity.
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.
On Sunday, August 18, NIU will hold its annual Family Fun Day with fans invited to bring the entire family out to watch practice beginning at 2:30 p.m. with the Huskie inflatables (bounce house, obstacle course, ball toss) available for the kids and an autograph session with NIU players following the workout.
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