The 74th annual Mid-American Conference honored six NIU students, including Jordan Steckler on first team, on Dec 4. The players were voted on by MAC head coaches from various colleges. 

This is the seventh straight year that an “Huskie offensive lineman has been named first team All-MAC,” according to Donna Turner,  NIU Athletics. 

Head Coach Thomas Hammock of NIU’s Football team talked to NIU’s athletic department. 

 “Obviously Jordan Steckler is very deserving of first team all-conference honors,” Hammock said. “He went out and did everything the right way off the field, in the community and it showed in his play. He was consistent, he was physical, he was dominant, and he epitomizes what it means to be an offensive lineman at NIU.”

Mykelti Williams and Jack Heflin were voted as second team members. Heflin was awarded third team during, 2018’s awards, according to NIU’s athletics. This is Williams second year in a row as part of the second team. 

“For Mykelti and Jack, their selection is a testament to the way they played and how consistent they were week in and week out,” Hammock said. “They gave us a chance to be a much better defense.  Heflin played tough at defensive tackle, he took on double teams, did the dirty work and held the point of attack. Mykelti was the quarterback of our defense, he’s a great leader who worked extremely hard day and day out.  He’s very deserving of being all-conference.”

Mitchell Brinkman, tight end, and John Richardson, kicker, were both awarded as part of the third team, for the first time in their careers.

“I’m extremely proud of the recognition that these players received,” Hammock said. “To be recognized by the coaches in this league as some of the best players in the MAC is an honor.  For the guys who are returning, I look forward to seeing them continue to improve, develop and help lead us into 2020 when we can see even more NIU names on this list.”