Sports Editor Chris Loggins breaks down the Huskies’ key players as the 2015 season opener approaches.

Offense

Wide Receiver

Senior wide receiver Tommylee Lewis exploded in 2013 after a 2012 season in which he caught 48 balls for second on the team and had over a thousand all-purpose yards. Lewis drastically improved his numbers, ending the season with 86 receptions, 715 yards and three touchdowns. Expectations continued to rise after such an impressive season, but his 2014 season was cut short due to injury, and he was only able to play in a total of two games. Lewis is widely regarded as an all-purpose player. In addition to his prowess as a receiver, he’s rushed for nearly 600 yards and spent time as a kick returner, returning four kicks for touchdowns. Standing at 5-foot-7 and 168 pounds, Lewis has solidified himself as an all-around threat that can be used in a multitude of ways throughout the season.

Running Back

The departure of Cameron Stingily left open a great opportunity for the next starting running back, and it looks as though junior Joel Bouagnon will be the man for the job. Bouagnon played in all 14 games last season, starting in seven of them. He put up impressive numbers, running for over 600 yards and five touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-2, 226 pounds, Bouagnon can be a nightmare for opposing teams if consistent and can take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of quarterback Drew Hare. He rushed for at least 50 yards in seven games despite only starting in seven, and will look to be an even bigger threat with his improved role

Defense

Defensive Line

Senior defensive end Perez Ford will look to continue being a great defensive threat, as he has played in every single game for three consecutive seasons. In 2014, Ford made 57 tackles, forced three fumbles, and piled up five sacks. He was given second team All-MAC honors and was named Defensive Lineman of the Week after an impressive outing against Toledo. Ford stands at 6 feet, 227 pounds, and will look to make his senior year a great success.

Secondary

Senior safety Marlon Moore will again look to do his best to lead a secondary filled with a ton of youth. Moore is currently the only senior in the secondary, and will have to be a mentor to younger players. The 5-foot-9, 197 pound Moore hasn’t missed a game since 2012, and has only not seen action in two games in all three of his seasons at NIU. In 2014, he led the entire team in tackles with 99, 49 of them being solo stops. Moore is a key piece of a defense that will surely need the leadership.