Football | August 4

DeKalb, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University Huskies continued preseason practices on a steamy Sunday at Huskie Stadium with a two-plus hour practice as the players donned shoulder pads for the first time this camp.
 
The increased level of contact did not slow down the effort or the execution, according to new Huskies' head coach Thomas Hammock.
 
 "The one thing we're trying to do is get callused up," Hammock said. "That's the great thing about the acclimation period. You get two days with helmets, then you get the shoulder pads, which adds a new element. I thought the guys responded. I thought our valleys weren't as low and our peaks were very high. We're going to keep fighting for consistency and practice at a high level for two hours."
 
The early portion of practice again focused on fundamentals with each position coach directing his group, before moving into offense versus defense elements. With shoulder pads added, the run game periods took on an extra level of physicality.
 
The coaches then threw a slight twist into the ball security and turnover circuit sessions as even the offensive linemen worked the turnover circuit, while the defense had a chance to go through the gauntlet of pads as they focused on ball security.
 
"Today we flipped sides," Hammock said. "The defense went ball security so when they do make a play, get some picks, get some fumbles, we have excellent ball security. Then we sent the offense down to turnover circuit so if there is a situation where there is a turnover on offense - which we don't want - we can try to get the ball back. It also helps on special teams. You've got offensive and defensive guys that may touch the ball or that may be on a defensive unit on special teams where we're trying to get the ball out."
 
Special teams were once again an emphasis for a good portion of practice, including at the end. In the final minutes, the offense practiced clock management, after making a first down, the kicking team rushed onto the field for final second field goal attempts, both of which were made.
 
"We talk to our team all the time about being brilliant in situations, so we want to be excellent in situational football," Hammock said. "Every day we're going to work on something to get them thinking about a situation as opposed to just being in the routine of practice.  We try to simulate as many game situations as possible, knowing that some situations may not come up but if they ever do, we'll be prepared."
 
The Huskies will have another workout in shoulder pads Monday. Preseason practices are closed to the public, except for 2:30 p.m. practices on Sunday, August 11 and on Sunday, August 18.  On August 11, all 2019 season ticket members are invited to watch practice and stick around afterwards for a Q&A session with Hammock. The Huskies will hold their annual Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 18 with inflatable games for the kids and an autograph session with the team following the workout.
 
Follow all the stories and links from 2019 NIU Preseason Camp at Camp Central on NIUHuskies.com.
 
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. 
 
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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