Last season, NIU fielded one of the top defenses in the country, finishing among the top 25 Football Bowl Division teams in most defensive statistical categories. Since then, that unit has undergone a drastic overhaul.

Defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto – the mastermind behind the Huskies’ defensive success – left for the same position at California State University, Fresno, and all but three starters from last year’s squad have either graduated or transferred. To counter those losses, NIU has turned to returners to step into starting roles and added talent from the transfer portal.

Now, after 15 spring practices, the new-look starting defense has begun to take shape under new coordinator Rob Harley. While the lineup can change heading into the fall, here’s the Northern Star’s post-spring projection of the Huskies’ defensive depth chart.

Editor’s note: Read the Northern Star’s offensive starter projections here.

Defensive ends

Starters: Jalonnie Williams (R-Sr.), Roy Williams (Sr.)

Backups: Davonte Murray (Sr.), Pierce Oppong (R-Sr.), Ivan Davis (R-Sr.), Jay’shon Thomas (R-So.), Lance Ingold (R-Fr.), Ivan Moore Jr. (R-Fr.), CJ Wade (R-Fr.)

Analysis: This is perhaps the most seasoned – and imposing – group on NIU’s roster. The Huskies returned starting defensive ends Jalonnie Williams and Roy Williams, who combined for 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2024. They’re joined by two veteran rotational pieces in sixth-year seniors Pierce Oppong and Ivan Davis.

NIU also added University of Tennessee at Martin transfer Davonte Murray, who head coach Thomas Hammock praised as “the most explosive defensive lineman that we’ve had.”

With the amount of talent on the edge, the Huskies should be able to create plenty of pressure up front and disrupt plays near the line of scrimmage.

Defensive tackles

Starters: Mark Hensley (R-So.), Reggie Jean (R-Jr.)

Backups: Dasean Dixon (Sr.), Montrel Canion (Fr.), Jordan Bellamy (Fr.), Tanner Phelps (R-Fr.), Samir Senenat (R-Fr.)

Analysis: In stark contrast to the experience retained at defensive end, NIU’s interior defensive line was hit hard by offseason departures. Devonte O’Malley, Cade Haberman and Demond Taylor Jr. all graduated, while Skyler Gill-Howard transferred to Texas Tech University.

Now, the Huskies will turn to Mark Hensley and Reggie Jean to help fill that void. Hensley is the only returner to have recorded a statistic, finishing last season with six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. University at Albany transfer Dasean Dixon is also a prime candidate to rotate in once he’s fully recovered from a leg injury that sidelined him for most of spring.

Linebackers

Starters: Quinn Urwiler (R-Sr.), Marc Pretto (R-Jr.)

Backups: Danny Cronin (Sr.), Jake Gassaway (R-Jr.), Chidu Bekee (R-Fr.), Tristan Hunter (R-Fr.), Filip Maciorowski (R-So.), KJ McRae (R-Fr.)

Analysis: Truth be told, linebacker might be the toughest position to project on NIU’s defense. Quinn Urwiler, Marc Pretto, Danny Cronin and Jake Gassaway all have legitimate cases to be a starter, but Urwiler and Pretto were the most frequent linebacker pairing on the first-team defense throughout spring practices.

Urwiler is expected to take over as the starting middle linebacker, while Pretto will likely fill Jaden Dolphin’s former role on the weak side. Behind them, Cronin and Gassaway should give the Huskies veteran options in the rotation.

Cornerbacks

Starters: Jacob Finley (R-Jr.), Ty Myles (R-Sr.), Dev’ion Reynolds (R-Fr.)

Backups: Donte Harrison (Sr.), Malik Armstrong (R-Jr.), Keshawn Lyons (Jr.), Miles Thompson (So.)

Analysis: Jacob Finley and Ty Myles are the two certain starters in this group. Finley started the final five games of 2024, and that should continue this coming season. Myles, meanwhile, is viewed as the natural successor at nickelback after serving as Jashon Prophete’s backup for the past two seasons.

Redshirt freshman Dev’ion Reynolds emerged as a strong contender for the second outside starting role during spring ball. Despite being the youngest cornerback on the roster, Reynolds frequently lined up with the first-team defense opposite Finley. His impressive performance even earned him a mid-spring switch to jersey No. 9 – a change that only comes once you’ve caught Hammock’s attention.

In terms of depth, Shepherd University transfer Donte Harrison and returner Malik Armstrong are expected to be in the mix for rotational snaps.

Safeties

Starters: Jasper Beeler (Jr.), Muhammed Jammeh (R-Sr.)

Backups: Cyrus McGarrell (R-Sr.), Taylor Powell (R-Fr.), Brody Windham (Jr.), Trey Porter (R-Jr.), Romelo Walker (R-Fr.), Owen Belman (R-Sr.)

Analysis: Despite losing its top three safeties, NIU appears well-positioned heading into 2025 with a promising new trio in the secondary.

Newcomer Jasper Beeler, a transfer from Division II Saginaw Valley State University, takes over at free safety for Nate Valcarcel. Beeler recorded 53 tackles and 15 pass breakups last season at SVSU, and his strong showing this spring suggests he can have an immediate impact in the Huskies’ defensive backfield.

At strong safety, veteran Muhammed Jammeh brings experience to the starting tandem after appearing in 38 games over the past four seasons, including six starts in 2022. Rounding out the group, Cyrus McGarrell is expected to see the field plenty as a key rotational piece.

Punter

Starter: Danny Vuckovic (R-So.)

Backups: None (for now)

Analysis: Danny Vuckovic gets the starting nod by virtue of being the only punter left on the roster, following Gavin Myers’ exit during the spring transfer window.

Vuckovic won’t be unopposed for long, though, as incoming freshman Jake Ference – the younger brother of former NIU standout Matt Ference – is set to join the team ahead of fall camp. Regardless of who wins the ensuing battle, NIU will have a new face handling punting duties in 2025.