Football’s Media Day gives look into upcoming season

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NIU head coach Rod Carey looks on during the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl Dec. 23. NIU lost to the Marshall Thundering Herd.

By Chris Loggins

Football has officially wrapped up Media Day in Chicago, but it didn’t go without exciting interviews that were sure to gear Huskie fans up nicely for the upcoming season.

Head Coach Rod Carey said he was enthusiastic heading into the year, noting his happiness with what the team has been able to accomplish and the importance of accomplishing more.

“Practice starts Aug. 5,” Carey said. “I’m ready. It’s time for football. It’s time to get going. We’ll have some good competition in camp.”

Carey had very high praise for returning quarterback Drew Hare, who he believes is poised for an even bigger season than he had last season.

“It’s always good to have a quarterback coming back,” Carey said. “Drew got better last season and he’s looking for more now.”

Hare said it is the team’s desire to do all they can to make the best of the year.

“Our goal is to win every game,” Hare said. “However many games that is, that’s how many we want to win.”

Fans had the opportunity to send questions to players via Twitter, which served as an interesting segment because it gave closer, more intimate looks into the lives of some of their favorite Huskies. The team will face off against Ohio State Sept. 19, and Hare admitted the game has been on the minds of his peers.

“Everybody’s thought about it; I’ll say that,” Hare said. “But like coach said, we have had an open conversation about it, got it out there, let it get done. Since then, I really do feel like we’ve been focused on just week one right now.”

The Huskies play UNLV Sept. 5 at home.

Overall, Media Day was a success and presented a very undeniable outlook going into next season. Everyone seems to be on board, from Athletic Director Sean Frazier to Head Coach Rod Carey all the way down to all of the players and those who support the team.

There are positive vibes surrounding Huskie football. Next season is sure to be an exciting one.