DeKALB – Fans got an early look at NIU football during their annual spring football showcase, held at Huskie Stadium, that featured a live scrimmage and various drills. 

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Hampton will be backing up redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi after Hampton started four games last season. Hampton said that he worked with a quarterback’s coach and is excited for the season.

“I was really trying to correct my form and my mechanics,” Hampton said. “I went to work with one of my quarterback coaches, he’s helped me a lot. We’ve made great strides offensively. And I think we are gonna shock a lot of people this year, and get back to that winning culture.”

Hampton also said as the backup to Lombardi, he wants to apply pressure and make the team and Lombardi play better. 

“Make him better, make the team better,” Hampton said. “Put a lot of stress on him. You know, he’s one of my best friends but by competing you make each other better.” 

Head football coach Thomas Hammock had high praises for the defense, saying he has seen a lot of improvement from last season. 

Hammock also gave praise to defensive players such as junior defensive end Raishein Thomas and junior defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley.

“I think there have been some guys that have been outstanding,” Hammock said. “I think Devonte O’Malley has been outstanding. Raishein Thomas was the MVP of the Spring, he’s been outstanding.” 

NIU has three months to improve and make the necessary adjustments before the season opener. With many new faces on the offensive side of the ball, Hampton is optimistic to see how they will perform. 

“I’m just looking forward to how our offense performs,” Hampton said. “I think we’ve gotten a lot better and made plenty of strides. We have a lot of new guys, young guys that have stepped up in big roles.”

While the offense had its moments, Hampton has been most impressed with the development of the defense this offseason. 

“Really excited for our defense as well,” Hampton said. They performed really well this spring, and have made the biggest jump on our team this past year so I’m really excited for that.” 

Junior running back Antario Brown is the top running back on the depth chart after the departures of Harrison Waylee and Mason Blakemore. Brown will most likely be the starting running back for the start of the season and is excited to get started. 

“It feels great man, after two years of playing behind a guy or two, just knowing, going into the season being the guy,” Brown said. “I feel like preparation stays the same as the two years before. I’m ready for it all.”

Brown scored the first touchdown of the showcase, a 12-yard catch and run on a pass from Hampton. 

Redshirt junior running back Gavin Williams scored a four-yard touchdown on a jet sweep. Williams scored again on a hand-off by redshirt freshman quarterback Nevan Cremascoli, his second rushing touchdown of the showcase. 

Junior running back Billy Dozier scored the last touchdown of the scrimmage, a six-yard touchdown run. Dozier’s touchdown was the fourth of the scrimmage for NIU running backs. 

NIU football is back in action on Sept. 3 as the Huskies travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass, to take on the Boston College Eagles. The kickoff time has yet to be determined.