Despite the last couple hectic days for NIU football, the Northern Star found time to sit down with one of the anchors of NIU’s defense: senior defensive end Sean Progar. Progar has been a big factor in the Huskies’ 12-1, MAC Championship-winning season. Progar discussed his career at NIU, some of his fondest memories and the defensive success the Huskies have had this season.

NS: Can you summarize your time at NIU in a couple sentences–is that even possible?

SP: It’s hard to summarize in just a few sentences. It’s been amazing, it’s been unexpected. I came here obviously hoping for the best but I would never have expected we won two back-to-back championships, three West championships, and get an opportunity to play in the first BCS Bowl that the MAC’s ever played in. It’s just huge for us seniors and the program.

NS: What’s been one of the biggest highlights for you?

SP: We’ve won two back to back championships, that’s clearly up there right now. I’m sure once I get down there to Miami and take in the fact that we’re playing in the Orange Bowl, …that’s going to take over No. 1, but we’ll see.

NS: What’s it been like at NIU for you as a leader at your position?

SP: You know, I’ve been a leader since I’ve been a sophomore here. A lot of guys look up to me and I’ve embraced it. I think it’s big for our seniors to keep leading. We’ve got the coaching change now and we got to make sure everybody’s on board. We’re not going to try and go down to Miami and embarrass ourselves.

NS: Do you pay any attention to the records that you’ve accumulated at NIU?

SP: I honestly haven’t looked at it. That’ll probably be something to look at when my career’s over. We’ve still got this last game and I want to go out there and play my best and have the team perform the way they should. I will look at all that stuff when I’m done.

NS: With the Bowl Game and the defensive success you guys have had, how big is that for your defense as a unit?

SP: It’s huge. The defense struggled a little bit early last year and we started to get together at the end of the season. We came into this year expecting to be a good defense and it’s turned out good for us this year and we’re looking to finish it with this game.