DeKALB, Ill.  – The Northern Illinois University football team wrapped up 2023 spring football practices Saturday at Huskie Stadium with its most extensive scrimmage work as the offense and defense suited up in full uniforms in front of a hearty crowd of Huskie fans who braved light snow, rain, sleet and 40-degree temperatures during the course of the two-hour practice.
 
"I thought guys really competed on both sides of the ball," said NIU head coach Thomas Hammock, who begins his fifth season at the helm of the Huskies' program in 2023.  "There were highs and lows on each side. There were responses. The most important thing was guys went out and were able to execute. We have a baseline of where we are, we understand we need to continue to improve."
 
The Huskies spent nearly 80 percent of the practice in 11-on-11 action with both sides of the ball enjoying success at times.  Quarterbacks Ethan Hampton and Nevan Cremascoli took the bulk of the snaps with running backs Antario Brown and Gavin Williams the primary ball carriers. Rocky Lombardi, who played just four games last season, threw during the seven-on-seven period.
 
Hampton and Brown, who were named the co-Offensive MVPs of spring, connected for one Huskie touchdown as Brown took the ball in on a shovel pass to close out a 75-yard drive. Nevan Cremascoli hit fellow redshirt freshman Malik Armstrong for a long completion. In addition, Williams scored during red zone periods. The scrimmage ended with tight end Drew Cassens catching a ball in the corner of the end zone from Justin Lynch for a score.
 
"Antario Brown had a fantastic spring and Ethan Hampton has really grown at the quarterback position," Hammock said of the Huskies' standouts offensively this spring. "Up front, Evan Buss has done a nice job as has Pete Nygra at the center position and Keyshaun Pipkin at wide receiver. We feel like we have a lot more depth at quarterback than we did a year ago from an experience standpoint. We feel like we can be a balanced offense and an experienced offense as well."
 
Additional spring awards went out to Buss, who was named the Most Improved Player on Offense and to fullback Brock Lampe, who earned the Hard Hat Award as a player who came to work and gave his best every day. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Ray Thomas earned MVP honors, safety Nate Valcarcel was Most Improved and middle linebacker Jaden Dolphin collected the Hard Hat Award.
 
While the offense had its moments Saturday, Hammock has been most impressed with the development of the defense this spring, beginning up front with a veteran and deep defensive line.  
 
"The defense has really improved," Hammock said. "It's been tough sledding [for the offense] all spring and it starts up front. Those guys are physical, they get off the ball, they use their hands well. [DE] Ray Thomas was the MVP of the spring. He's been outstanding as have Jaden Dolphin, JaVaughn Byrd [CB] and Devonte O'Malley [DL]. [Safety] Nate Valcarcel is a young man that has really played well. Overall, we have a lot more depth. A lot more guys got good valuable experience this spring."
 
Building depth has been one of the Huskies' themes this spring as practices were designed so that players outside of the first team received nearly 50 percent of the snaps. In addition, with 47 letterwinners, including 29 players who started at least one game a year ago, on the roster this spring, the Huskies emphasized execution and taking care of each other.
 
"We have a pretty veteran team, a lot of guys that have played a lot of football," Hammock said. "We don't need to beat each other up every single day to get work done. The emphasis was on how we can do it effectively and efficiently, and I think guys did that. They were smart, practices were physical, they stayed on their feet, and we got a lot of good work in. I think these guys will be excited about continuing to progress this summer."
 
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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