DeKALB — Starting off the season as the third-string quarterback, redshirt freshman Marcus Childers has surpassed the other two quarterbacks in redshirt junior Ryan Graham and redshirt sophomore Daniel Santacaterina to fulfill the starting role.

The 6 foot 1 inch Childers out of Adairsville, Georgia has started the last five games for the Huskies, throwing for nine touchdowns and just three interceptions.

The football team has gone 4-1 in his starts and has seen a steady ascendance in the offense.

Childers discussed his team’s success this season and what it has meant to him playing college football.

Q: You come into week 10 against Ball State at 6-3, what are your thoughts on the season so far?

A: We’ve had a wonderful season, I’m very pleased with what’s occurred. I’m disappointed in the last game we had, but coming into this week against Ball State I think we have a good chance to win this game.

Q: Growing up playing southern football in the state of Georgia, was it a big transition coming to the midwest playing in cooler weather?

A: Not really. I played in the mountains in Georgia, so the weather’s not too much different, except for the -10 here, but it’s not much of a transition.

Q: How was is getting the starting nod a few weeks ago for your first collegiate experience?

A: It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play college football and finally getting that opportunity I’m just trying to make the most of it, but it was definitely a fun experience.

Q: What has it meant to you having two veterans in the locker room in Ryan Graham and Daniel Santacaterina?

A: In our quarterback room we always try to support each other, but it’s great having them helping me out seeing things on the field and close details. It’s just great camaraderie.

Q: During training camp, did you see yourself as a starter?

A: Well, Ryan [Graham] played really well in camp, and I knew he was going to get the job. I just accepted my role and knew I had to do whatever I could in case something happened so I could be as ready as I could for whenever they call my name.

Q: Do you still feel like you guys have a chance at the MAC championship after losing to Toledo?

A: We just take one game at a time, we don’t control what happens with other teams. The only thing we can control is the next game.

Q: Your defense has been ranked in a lot of categories this season, what is like watching a great defense like them?

A: It’s fun knowing you have a defense supporting you. If you throw a pick or have a turnover they can go out and make plays for you and give you a chance to get the ball back. It’s cool that they have your back.

Q: What is something that you feel you really improved on since you started, and what is something you feel like needs more work?

A: Settling in is the biggest improvement I’ve had. With experience you get better and start seeing more things. The biggest thing on improving would be managing more, doing more of the right things at the right times just knowing where the ball is going to go in crucial situations.

Q: What does it say for your coach to throw you in the fire as a freshman and have the confidence in you that he clearly does?

A: We’re always studying, always in the film room, helping each other out but with the time we put in knowing what we have to do shows a precedence.

NIU is in second place in the Mid-American Conference West Division standings and are two games behind Toledo for the top spot in the division.

The Huskies will face the Ball State University Cardinals 6 p.m. Thursday at Huskie Stadium.