Football | March 17

DeKALB, Ill. – Fifteen 2024 Northern Illinois University football seniors and two 2023 alums participated in the Huskies' 2025 Pro Day for scouts from over 20 National Football League teams Monday at the Chessick Practice Center.
 
Running Backs Antario Brown and Gavin Williams, defensive backs JaVaughn Byrd, Jashon Prophete and Nate Valcarcel, tight ends Chris Carter and Tristen Tewes, defensive linemen Cade Haberman, Devonte O'Malley and Demond Taylor Jr., wide receivers Andrew McElroy, Kacper Rutkiewicz and Davis Patterson, offensive linemen J.J. Lippe and Logan Zschernitz, fullback Brock Lampe and linebacker Jaden Dolphin went through three hours of measurements, testing and drills in front of family, friends, current Huskies and the NIU coaching staff.
 
For Logan Zschernitz, Monday was a chance to show his preparation for Pro Day was successful.

"We played December 23 in our bowl game and eight days later I shipped off to my training facility to work on all these things," Zschernitz said. "We were working on every little technique, every touch, every minute detail to perfect my craft. I worked really hard it paid off today. I had a couple personal records, was running fast, jumping good, feeling strong."
 
The afternoon began with weigh-ins and measurements including height, weight, hand size and wingspan. The physical testing began with the vertical jump and bench press in the Northwestern Medicine Sports Performance Center. Rutkiewicz led the day with a 36.5-inch vertical leap with McElroy reaching 36 inches. NIU's defensive linemen showed out on the bench press with the top three performances. Haberman had 30 reps with Taylor posting 29 and O'Malley had 26.
 
The 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, shuttle run and broad jump took place in the Chessick Practice Center. Valcarcel had the fastest times in the runs with a 4.52 second 40-yard dash, 4.15 shuttle and a 6.90 three-cone drill. Rutkiewicz and Prophete both ran the 40 in under 4.6 seconds at 4.52 and 4.58 respectively. Prophete and Byrd both had the best broad jumps at 10'5".
 
"It was a fun experience working out for the scouts," said Prophete. "It was a good environment, made it easy to thrive in when you know everybody here. It's more encouraging and there's more people supporting you."
 
The day wrapped up with position drills, affording the NIU players a chance to show their skill for the scouts in attendance. For players like Prophete, it was an opportunity to meld his playing career with his athletic ability.
 
"The workout compliments the film," he said. "The scouts may have some questions about my athleticism and explosiveness, and I think most of my numbers today answer those."
 
 The Huskies begin Spring Practice on Thursday, March 27 and continue through the Spring Showcase on April 26 at Huskie Stadium.
 
NIU's 2025 schedule includes six home games, five on Saturdays, and road games at Maryland (Sept. 6) and Mississippi State (Sept. 20). Season ticket prices begin at $110 each for a general admission ticket which can now be used on the West Side (Section G) or the East Side of Huskie Stadium. Discounts are also available for NIU alumni, faculty and staff, DeKalb County residents and more. Renew or purchase tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season now online at NIUHuskies.com/Tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@niu.edu.
 
--NIU--