DeKALB | The Huskies season hasn’t been going the way they would have hoped as they are staring the year in an 0-2 hole to start the 2016 campaign.

They lost a triple overtime game to University of Wyoming in the opening week and were outplayed by University of South Florida last week, losing 48-17. Despite all this, Kenny Golladay, redshirt senior wide receiver, has still been a standout player for the Huskies.

Last season, Kenny Golladay earned national recognition. He was a Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference selection and was placed on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, which goes to the top receiver in Division I. He had 73 receptions totaling 1,129 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Golladay had the fifth best year of all time for an NIU wide receiver and the best statistical season from an NIU wide receiver since Justin McCareins totaled 1,168 yards in the 2000 season.

“Only being here for two seasons and working to being the best receiver [I can be], I’m honored for people to recognize me in that way,” Golladay said. “Last season was still a learning experience for me. I felt like I could have [done] a whole lot better. I was still kind of getting my feet wet, and I feel like now I have a better understanding of the offense.”

Golladay went to a powerhouse football school, St. Rita High School in Chicago, which has 26 Chicago Catholic League Championships in their history, but didn’t get a lot of playing time until his senior season. Golladay said it was primarily because of the team’s predominantly run-heavy offense, but his senior year his head coach began trusting him more which led to more touches for Golladay.

Golladay wasn’t highly recruited out of St. Rita, but one team, North Dakota University did give him a chance and he’s quite appreciative of that.

“North Dakota was my only offer,” Golladay said. “I was blessed with that offer; no other team was really looking my way. I fell under the radar but made the best out of my situation.”

Going from Chicago to North Dakota was a change, but Golladay saw some good in it.

“Being from a big city like Chicago and going to North Dakota was definitely different,” Golladay said. “It’s a whole bunch of land and very cold in North Dakota, but I enjoy playing football no matter where it is. It was a great experience at North Dakota. I met some great people out there.”

Kenny had some great success at North Dakota, catching 99 passes for 1,313 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons. He made the most out of his opportunity and after a 3-8 season during his sophomore campaign, much of the coaching staff was let go and that led to Golladay’s decision to transfer, even if it meant sitting out a year.

“I decided to say ’will I be able to get another scholarship playing two seasons at North Dakota?’” Golladay said. “I just wanted to weigh my options and see if any other schools wanted me and fortunately NIU gave me a chance to come to this school. NIU jumped on the opportunity quick.”

Kenny Golladay has 14 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns so far this season and is possibly poised to be in the NFL come April.

“Making the NFL will definitely be a dream come true, but all I can do now is finish off this season strong and see what happens.”

Golladay and the Huskies (0-2) have their home opener 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Huskie Stadium.