DeKALB | Spring brings mixed emotions to NIU linebacker Phil Brown.

On one hand, the Chicago native gets back in the swing of football and shakes off some rust.

On the other hand, Brown suffered a knee injury last spring that made him sit out the 2006 season.

Brown talked with the Northern Star about coming back from injury, the linebacking competition this spring and drop steps.

Northern Star: How has practice been, coming back from an injury?

Phil Brown: It’s been great. I’m not taking anything for granted. I went six straight seasons without an injury. I appreciate playing every down like it’s my last.

NS: What was the thing you missed most when injured last season?

PB: The road trips. The weekends are real hectic. I missed being with my brothers on the road.

NS: Coach Joe Novak said this team’s strengths are the defense and the kicking game. How does it compare to the offensive teams of the past?

PB: This year’s different. We’re going by the saying, “Defense wins championships.” The Bears are a perfect example. They got all the way to the Super Bowl with the defense.

NS: Linebacker is one of the deepest positions for the team. What has competition been like this spring?

PB: It’s been great. I came into spring at second string. [Josh] Allen has been doing well and Tranch [John Tranchitella] has been doing well.

The linebacker competition is deep, but it’s good because we can all be 100 percent when we’re out there. Linebacker is very physical, so there’s a chance of being injured. But the next play, someone can step in and pick up where we left off.

NS: What has been the biggest adjustment this spring?

PB: The steps. I step forward first, but we’re taught to step backward. The fall steps and misdirection plays. Play-action is getting to me. I’ll be perfect on Saturday, though.