Football | April 11

DeKALB, Ill.  – Since Thomas Hammock's arrival at Northern Illinois University as head coach in 2019, he's considered the Huskies to be an offense first program, but this spring, he's seen an NIU defense that is ready to become a force.
 
"The most unexpected positive I've seen this spring is probably the shift in our program," Hammock said after the team wrapped up its third week of spring practices over the weekend. "We've been offensive centric since I've been here; this spring, the defense has started to establish itself and become more dominant. These guys are strong up front, they're strong at linebacker and they've got guys on the back end starting to make more plays.  I'm seeing how they've matured and developed, and I think they are ready to make a step forward as a defense."
 
The defense returns seven players who started at least six games a year ago and 20 who bring experience, many with at least two seasons as Huskies. In addition to a front seven featuring 2022 All-MAC selections Devonte O'Malley and James Ester, linebackers Daveren Rayner and Jaden Dolphin have played well, while newcomers like Cam'Ron "Shaad" Dabney and Gabriel Amegatcher have made an impact at cornerback. 
 
During Saturday's practice at Huskie Stadium, which featured the most extensive scrimmage action of the spring, Hammock was pleased both with what he saw out of the defense, and with the offense's response later in the day, especially during the "move the ball" periods.
 
"I thought there was great competition [Saturday]," Hammock said. "I thought there were different segments of practice where each side of the ball had moments and then you saw a response, which is what you want to see. It's the ebb and flow of practice, the ebb and flow of a game. I thought leadership took over. I liked the fact that guys are working together as a team.
 
"Obviously when you have a segment and part of practices like team run, or team pass, the defense knows the purpose of the material, so they play the drill a little bit. Then when you get into a move the ball [period] where you have the whole offense at your disposal, you become a lot more unpredictable and the offense can be a lot more aggressive."
 
Saturday's practice featured both the run and pass game with the passing game more on display during the move the ball, while running plays were prevalent in situational drills, including short yardage and red zone.  During the final "team" segment, the number one offense, led by quarterback Ethan Hampton, executed a touchdown drive, notable because it came after a dropped pass in the end zone.
 
"There was a beautiful ball to the end zone by Ethan and we had a drop," Hammock said. "The offense was looking at a third and long situation. I think Keyshaun Pipkin made a catch on third down, which extended the drive, and then we wind up scoring on that drive. That's how we have to be able to play. There is going to be good and bad. You have to be able to manage the bad, and then get back on track and find ways to make plays. That is the next play mentality, and it was good to see."
 
Hampton and redshirt freshman Nevan Cremascoli, who both started games in 2022, took the majority of the snaps at quarterback, while Antario Brown and newcomer Gavin Williams handled the bulk of the carries. The Huskies used a quartet of tight ends, including newcomer Grayson Barnes, with Kacper Rutkiewicz, Pipkin and senior Messiah Travis providing targets at wide receiver along with Davis Patterson, who joined the team in January, and redshirt freshmen Eli Reed and Malike Armstrong.  
 
"I thought Ethan did a nice job navigating the offense, I'm sure there is one throw he would like to have back in the red zone, but that's why you are here for spring - to learn and grow and continue to develop and get better," Hammock said.
 
"I focused a lot on my mechanics this semester, fixing those and the rest kind of follows," Hampton said. "I've been working on that, the timing of throws, getting everything in the right rhythm.  With practicing with these guys [on air] before spring, that gelling [with the tight ends and receivers] has come easy, especially with those new guys. Davis Patterson has been great, Keyshaun Pipkin is stepping up in a big role.  I really just want to help this offense be where we need to be and get better every day."
 
The Huskies' next chance to get better starts Wednesday morning with practices scheduled for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday again this week. NIU will wrap up spring ball on Saturday, April 22 with the Spring Showcase at Noon in Huskie Stadium.
 
NIU will wrap up 2023 spring football practices with the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 22 in Huskie Stadium, beginning at Noon (CT). Prior to the football action on the field, NIU will hold Victor E's Sports Fest and a Huskie Gear Sale beginning at 10 a.m. Children (ages 2 to 13) are invited to meet and play games with NIU student-athletes across multiple sports during Victor E's Sports Fest held on the courts adjacent to the Chessick Practice Center, as well as inside the building, while parents, alumni and fans of all ages can check out the Gear Sale. Admission to all events on the day is free.
 
During the Spring Showcase, 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. NIU's flagship radio station – 94-9 WDKB – will be live from the North End Zone during the practice.
 
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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