DeKALB, Ill.  – The Northern Illinois University football team wrapped up its first week of 2023 spring drills with a two-hour practice in full pads Sunday at the Chessick Practice Center. The spirited workout saw the Huskie defense get the better of the offense during team periods, according to NIU head coach Thomas Hammock, who saw plenty to like overall.
 
"Today was intense [after two practices in helmets and shorts]," Hammock said. "I really liked the energy, really liked the urgency. There are a lot of things we can do better, a lot of things we can clean up. Our defense is a little bit ahead; they have a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience and they're in the second year in this system. They're playing at a high level."
 
Defensively, a deep and experienced line, led by players like James Ester, Demond Taylor, Raishein Thomas and Devonte O'Malley, were able to pressure and "sack" quarterbacks Ethan Hampton, Nevan Cremascoli, Justin Lynch and Mason Kidd.
 
"They [the defensive linemen] are physical, they're strong and it starts up front," Hammock said. "You notice the difference from a physicality standpoint of our defensive line. We have guys with a lot of experience – Ester, Taylor, O'Malley, [Cade] Haberman, Thomas, [Pierce] Oppong – [they are] guys that played a lot of football for us, multiple year starters and you can really tell.  It's good when your defensive line is really physical, it forces your offensive line to get better and it makes your program better. Our offense will respond, the offensive line will respond."
 
Of the approximately 27 offensive skill players currently participating in practice, 18 are newcomers and underclassmen. Developing that group – and the young and less experienced players across the board – is one of the emphases for the Huskies' this spring.  
 
"We are monitoring the reps from the standpoint of we want to get everyone on our roster a certain percentage of reps so we can get them evaluated," Hammock said. "Spring is a great evaluation time for us. Guys can take advantage of the opportunity and the more good you put on tape the more snaps you get."
 
The practice schedule was also set to provide time for players to review the previous practices, work on correcting mistakes and learn the new plays installed each week. The Huskies practice on either Saturday or Sunday with the next practice on Wednesday morning. See the complete schedule at Spring Football Central on NIUHuskies.com.
 
Hammock has also been pleased with the impact the newcomers who joined the team in January have made.
 
"I've been impressed with the newcomers," Hammock said. "They've come in and worked hard, [CB] Shaad [Dabney] has come in and made a bunch of plays already. He's been coached well and has a great feel for the game. [CB] Gabriel [Amagatcher] has come in and competed; he is a physical corner. [WR] Davis Patterson has come in and done a nice job; [RB] Gavin Williams is starting to get his feet wet. Those are guys we've been able to bring in to help enhance our team who have really stepped in and done a nice job competitively."
 
NIU will wrap up 2023 spring football practices with the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 22 in Huskie Stadium, beginning at Noon (CT). Fans are invited to bring the family out to check out the 2023 Huskies, choose – or upgrade – season tickets and stick around following the practice to hear from Hammock and get autographs from the Huskies. A complete Kids' Zone – with the Bounce House, Football Toss and more – will be set up in the North End Zone and concessions will be available for purchase.  Admission is free.
 
NIU Football 2023 season tickets are on sale now at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225). Through the new Build Your Membership plan, NIU fans can customize their game day experience by adding parking, hospitality passes and more to their season ticket orders on an a la carte basis. Premium seating opportunities – including in the chairback section and the SkyBox – are available. Find information on the opportunity to Build Your Membership or to directly support NIU Football through the Huskie Athletic Fund click here. 
 
Football season ticket prices for NIU's six-game home schedule in 2023 are unchanged from a year ago, beginning from as little as $97 annually (less than $11/month with the nine-month payment plan) for general admission (East Side) tickets. Reserved seat pricing on the West Side is still set at $144 (sections A, B, F) and $162 (sections C, D, E) annually or $16/$18 per month with the nine-month payment option.  Purchase four season tickets with Huskie Family 4 Pack for even greater discounts.
 
To review all the ticket options, including a new West Side general admission section, go to NIUHuskies.com/tickets.
 
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