Offense

Offensive Line

Great rush attacks usually begin with great offensive lines, and redshirt senior left guard Aidan Conlon has helped lead the way for the Huskies up front. Coming into the season, Conlon has started in 42 consecutive games and has yet to miss a game in his three seasons. NIU rushed for nearly 3,500 yards on the ground behind the offensive line and had three players with over 600 rushing yards. The offensive line managed to surrender only 14 sacks on the season and conceded only 12 turnovers. Thanks to much of the line’s hard work, the Huskies put up 300 yards in every single game and over 6,000 on the year. The 6-foot-3, 305 pound guard is in for another big year and will be a key piece to an established offensive line.

Tight End

Redshirt sophomore Shane Wimann, who has spent time at both tight end and fullback, stands atop the depth chart at fullback for the upcoming season. Standing at 6-4 and 250 pounds, Wimann will be another key piece in a rush-heavy attack. His ability to play multiple positions makes him valuable as he also picked up three tackles on the campaign. Look for Wimann to continue being a stable force in the Huskies’ offense.

Offensive Line

Though he wasn’t a starter in 2014, redshirt junior Lincoln Howard will make the move to starting right tackle for the upcoming season. Howard spent the majority of last season as a backup tackle and also did work on special teams. With a ton of freshman tackles currently on the roster, Howard will get an opportunity to contribute to an already effective blocking group.

Defense

Linebacker

Redshirt senior Rasheen Lemon started all of last season as an outside linebacker and was a standout defensive player. Lemon ended the year second on the team with 90 tackles, picked up 2.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. His stellar play earned him third team All-MAC honors. The season comes after a 2013 year in which Lemon played in only two games and ended with only 13 tackles. Lemon is poised for a strong 2015 and is on track to improve his numbers even further.

Defensive Line

Senior defensive lineman Ben Compton is making the move from defensive end to defensive tackle. In 2014, Compton finished with 26 tackles, three sacks and even picked up an interception. Making the change from end to tackle can sometimes be tough, and only time will reveal the effects it will have on Compton’s play. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 278 pounds, he holds the ability to make physical plays and give headaches to opposing quarterbacks. Look for Comtpon to have a big-time season.

Secondary

Starting at free safety this year will be redshirt sophomore Brandon Mayes, who appeared in all games in 2014 and started in two. Mayes picked up 29 tackles and did more than enough to prove his worth as a starting safety. He’ll start across the field from senior safety Marlon Moore, as the two look to hold down the back end of the defense.