My life is so good right now.

The Cubs are starting to pick up speed, hockey playoffs have started and the weather – well, it will get there.

But something is missing: football. After attending the Huskies’ spring game last weekend, I realized that I can’t wait any longer for college football. And I really can’t wait for the next Huskie season. I’ve heard it’s going to be “Kill”-er.

Head coach Jerry Kill is finally here, and he’s ready to bring excitement to Huskie Stadium. His attitude is exactly what NIU needs to boost its on-field performance.

Don’t get me wrong; Joe Novak was an amazing head football coach for the school, but I think the Huskies need a coach like Kill right now.

I’ve attended football practice and have seen the changes that Kill has brought to the team’s mentality. Some players have described the former SIU head coach as enthusiastic, full of energy and – my favorite – unpredictable.

Talking to NIU tailback Justin Anderson made me realize the perks to having Kill as the team’s leader. Anderson seemed pretty psyched about next season and said that the team is motivated to compete at all costs.

This mentality, pounded in by Kill, will be key to the Huskies’ future success. NIU has a coach who will be more up-front about his expectations. While Novak stood at the 50-yard line blowing a whistle at mistakes, Kill takes the initiative to walk up to the players and personally fix what they are doing.

At least, that’s what some of the players are saying.

According to Anderson, Kill will pop up behind the players without them even noticing he has been watching them. It’s that kind of leadership that NIU needs.

The team needs to know that it is being watched at all times, to make sure it maintains a good work ethic. Kill isn’t afraid to say what he is thinking and will speak his mind on the spot. My favorite motivator used by Kill has been, “I can see that you can use that left hand at the bar pretty well, but you can’t play football with it!”

This sums up coach Kill in a sentence. He is a coach who expects greatness and will work hard to achieve that. He expects his players will do the same, which will make NIU a great team come next fall.

Kill will keep everyone on their toes, and after two seasons of less-than-exciting football, I am glad to have him at NIU.

Fans, get ready, because the 2008 season is going to be “Kill”-er; I can already see it in the players’ eyes.