DeKALB – Coming off a disappointing 3-9 record in 2022, NIU football looks to bounce back this season from its last place finish in the Mid-American Conference West. 

“A facet of the game I’m looking to improve upon is our ability to play complimentary football in all three phases,” said NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock.

In addition to taking on eight MAC opponents, the Huskies will face off against Boston College, Southern Illinois University, University of Nebraska and University of Tulsa. 

CAPTAINS READY TO LEAD

With redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi returning from injury, the Huskies will look to avenge their 2022 season and return to the top of the MAC. 

“I’m really excited, it’s been a long road,” Lombardi said. “I haven’t played in 10 or 11 months now, so I’m excited to be able to get back out there and fortunate to be back at 100%.”

Hammock said there will be no restrictions for Lombardi or any other players returning from injury.

“One thing about this game is injuries are a part of the game, but if you play scared, chances are you’re going to get injured,” Hammock said. “So the guys that are coming back, Rocky, (redshirt junior wide receiver) Trayvon Rudolph, we’re going to cut it loose.”

Junior linebacker Jaden Dolphin transitioned from a walk-on safety to middle linebacker and will serve as NIU’s defensive captain. 

“Jaden Dolphin is a young man that came into our program as a safety walk-on and has done a great job developing himself into what he’s become,” Hammock said. “He was voted a captain by his peers, and his leadership has grown tremendously.” 

Dolphin credited the coaching staff for making his transition between positions smooth. 

“If you told me when I first got here I would be surprised, but the transition has been very smooth,” Dolphin said. “Coach Breske has helped me a lot, and I’m excited about where this new position will take me, and I think it can elevate my game to new levels.”

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Hammock said the team is ahead of where he thought they’d be coming out of camp and many players stood out.

“(Redshirt freshman cornerback) Jacob Finley and (redshirt freshman cornerback) Amariyun Knighten took huge jumps from last year,” Hammock said. “Those two guys have made tremendous jumps in our program. Sometimes you overlook players in your program for transfers, we’re never going to do that.” 

Hammock expects NIU’s offense to be more dynamic with the return of Lombardi and the weapons added via the transfer portal.

“We certainly have a lot more weapons, so we can become less predictable, so we can create balance and versatility offensively,” Hammock said. “Rocky (Lombardi) has a lot more weapons that he feels comfortable with and has built chemistry with and that allows us to use the whole field … At the end of last season, we were more run dominant because of injuries. But right now, we have the ability to play any type of style we need to play.” 

Lombardi echoed much of what Hammock said about the potential of the Huskies’ offense, praising the weapons on the offensive side of the ball. 

“It’s (the offense) quite a bit more versatile, we have the most weapons that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Lombardi said. “We have guys that can block in the run game that are also exceptional in the pass game. We still have a great backfield, but this backfield is a little more diverse than in recent years.”

The Huskies’ season kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Alumni Stadium against the Boston College Eagles. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+, and live stats are available via StatBroadcast.

“It’s game week, our team is excited, our coaches are excited, and you can feel the intensity that’s ramped up amongst the players,” Hammock said.