2014:
Has 54 tackles in 13 games as a starter in the Huskies' linebacking corps. Ranks fourth on the team and second among NIU's linebackers with 7.5 tackles for loss. Recorded 1.5 sacks. Intercepted his third career pass against Central Michigan to help set up and NIU field goal. Credited with a tackle for loss in seven games this year. Also tallied six stops against the Chippewas. Opened the year with 15 tackles in the first two games, posting seven stops against Presbyterian and a season-high eight at Northwestern. Also had a TFL in each of the first four games, with one each against the Blue Hose, Wildcats and Arkansas. Registered a sack against Bowling Green in the MAC Championship Game. Notched two tackles for loss at Ball State.
2013:
• Played in 12 games and started 10 at outside linebacker.
• Ranked fifth on the Huskie defense with 64 tackles, broke up five passes and tallied two tackles for loss.
• Recorded a career-high 15 stops against Eastern Illinois (9-21)
• Registered his first career sack against Eastern Michigan (10-26).
• Led the Huskies with 11 tackles, including 10 solo, against Ball State (11-13).
• Missed the Akron and Central Michigan games due to injury.
2012:
• Recorded 28 tackles as a back-up linebacker and special teams player.
• Amassed 13 tackles in a three-game stretch from Sept. 29 to Oct. 13.
• Tallied a season-high six tackles, including a half tackle for loss, against Central Michigan (9-29).
• Made four tackles at Ball State (10-6) to earn NIU Co-Defensive Skill Player of the Week honors.
• Intercepted Cardinals[apos] QB Keith Wenning to stop a BSU drive in NIU territory and spur a Huskie comeback.
2011:
• Saw action in 11 games and started four at weakside linebacker.
• Finished the season with 28 tackles.
• Recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack.
• Made a season-high five tackles at Bowling Green (11-8) to earn NIU Defensive Skill Player of the Week honors.
• Notched his first career sack against Kent State (10-8).
• Grabbed his first career interception against Western Michigan (10-15) in his first career start.
2010:
• Redshirted as a true freshman.
High School:
• Named to the IHSFCA 7A All-State team as a senior.
• Earned special mention All-State recognition from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times in 2009.
• Honored by the Kane County Chronicle and Daily Herald as Player of the Year.
• Unanimous selection to the All-Western Sun Conference first team his senior season.
• Garnered team MVP and best offensive back honors.
• Gained 802 yards on 166 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
• Scored 23 touchdowns to rank sixth in the state. Made 70 tackles, including 36 solo, as a senior.
• Intercepted five passes over his final two seasons.
Personal:
• Born March 22, 1992 in Elgin, Ill.
• Son of Mary Ellen and Mike Santacaterina.
• General studies major.
• His first cousin, Mike Magee, was named MVP of Major League Soccer last season while playing for the Chicago Fire.
• His sister, Jackie Santacaterina, who plays for the women[apos]s professional soccer team in Chicago, the Red Stars.
SANTACATERINA[apos]S CAREER GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 15, vs. Eastern Illinois, 9-14-13
TFLs: 1, twice, last vs. Arkansas, 9-20-14
Sacks: 0.5, vs. Kent State, 10-08-11
INTs: 1, tied three times, last vs CMU 10-11-14
Loading...
