In the NFL, the middle-linebacker is generally the focal point of a good linebacking core.

While NIU has capable players at the linebacker position, the names that usually get more attention are the outside-linebackers, seniors Jamaal Bass and Tyrone Clark.

The middle-linebacker spot has been predominantly held down by redshirt senior Victor Jacques, who knows that his outside tandem at the linebacking spot has made his job easier.

“You know that they’re going to do their job,” Jacques said. “It’s like a fox-hole mentality we go out there, we have each others backs. When we do our job nobody can really play with us.”

Jacques played behind recently graduated Pat Schiller in his time last season, and knows that playing behind Schiller was a benefit for his development.

“You see the things he does well, and you want to do that,” Jacques said. “You see what he does bad, you want to take it as a learning process.”

Jacques elevation to a starting defensive role has been an unusual one. Being redshirted as a fullback before switching to linebacker, Jacques played in ten games in 2009 at linebacker and on special teams, but did not see any time in 2010.

In 14 games last season, playing as a second-team linebacker and on special teams, Jacques recorded 20 total tackles.

This season, Jacques has matched his tackle total from last season and has added a half sack in three games played. He has missed several games with an injury, a factor that helped Jacques in a different area.

“It got my mental game right,” Jacques said. “If anything it got me hungrier to play every play like it’s my last because you never know when you can lose the game. It gave me extra motivation to come back with that extra ‘umph.’”

Coach Dave Doeren likes having Jacques in at middle linebacker to provide a veteran senior presence. He also likes the ability of Jacques to come off blocks and make tackles.

Jacques knows his role is important to the team’s success, but keeps his formula for success simple.

“Be ready for the gameplan we have,” Jacques said. “Study a lot of film, know their tendencies, and better my ability to make plays when we need them the most.”