DEKALB, Ill. – With family and fans in attendance on a sun-splashed but breezy day at Huskie Stadium, the Northern Illinois University football team took the practice field for the ninth time this spring Saturday.
 
The Huskies worked out for two hours in full pads and turned in a competitive practice, and it started right after stretch. The wide receivers and defensive backs opened practice with one-on-ones, with each side having their moments.
 
"I thought it was a good practice," NIU head coach Thomas Hammock said. "The offense executed. Obviously, the defense knows what they're running, they go against each other every day. It was clean, it was competitive, it was physical. We get a lot of work done without tackling to the ground. I think guys are stepping up, making plays and anxious to watch the tape and make the corrections and continue moving forward."
 
Following the one-on-one battle, the team broke into their position groups to work on fundamentals, pass skelly and situational drills before a 30-minute team session.
 
During the third and two drills, newcomer Clint Ratkovich broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown. On the very next play, Eric Rogers came up with an interception. It was that kind of a day.
 
Some of the other highlights on the day included a 40-yard touchdown pass from Rodney Thompson to Cole Tucker. Fabian McCray, who was in the "Juice Jersey" today, was on the receiving end of a four-yard Rocky Lombardi touchdown pass on fourth down.
 
Hammock was pleased with both sides of the ball and feels the offense is coming along.
 
"I think we have a lot of playmakers," Hammock said of the offense. "We need to find creative ways to give them the ball. Clint [Ratkovich] had a nice day. [Harrison] Waylee did some good things. The receivers did some good things, and we have a quarterback that can run the show."
 
Conversely, Hammock felt the defense had its moments on Saturday as well.
 
"A lot of these guys have played," he said. "It's about rotating guys and answering questions on guys that we need to see. I thought they had a good day. Some of those plays [by the offense] were sacks. We let the play continue to go on.
 
"I think they were playing physical. That's a hard practice right there."
 
On Saturday, April 10, fans are invited to Huskie Stadium for the 2021 NIU Football Spring Showcase. The Showcase will provide an opportunity to see the team scrimmage with an on-field emcee proving commentary and on-field interviews. There also will be a player skills competition. Following practice, Hammock will address the crowd.
 
For more information on 2021 NIU spring practices, visit Spring Central 2021 on NIUHuskies.com which will be updated with links to stories, videos and more.
 
-NIU-