NIU right tackle Jon Brost is entering his fourth year as a starter for the Huskies.

The Maple Grove, Minn., native leads NIU with 35 career starts and has helped pave the way for 1,000-yard rushers Garrett Wolfe and Justin Anderson.

Brost talked with the Northern Star about heading home to play the Gophers in the season opener, offensive linemen being unappreciated and the Twins’ chances of winning the American League Central.

Northern Star: What was it like going back to Minnesota a couple weeks ago?

Jon Brost: It was awesome. I just had a lot of friends, a lot of family come up. It’s awesome to play in front of a lot of people that you know.

NS: Are you a Twins or Vikings fan?

JB: I’m a big Twins fan. I watch the Vikings every now and then. I’m a big Twins fan. I went to their games every now and then over the summer. It’s fun playing at the same stadium.

NS: Are the Twins going to get it done and win the division?

JB: Twins are going to pull this one out; it’s just by how much.

NS: Being an offensive lineman, what’s it like being unappreciated?

JB: It’s nice knowing that on long running plays you’re a part of that. You’ve got to give credit to the running backs, and they give us credit too.

NS: Do you guys take pride in having so many 1,000-yard rushers?

JB: It’s definitely something that we’re very proud of. We’ve got a chip on our shoulders for doing that.

SN: Do you have a certain NFL offensive lineman you like to watch?

JB: I like watching Bryant McKinnie on the Vikings. I haven’t really followed him too much, the past year or two his name’s been popping up, and I’ve just been kind of trying to do what he does.