DeKALB | After accumulating all the records, the NCAA released that NIU has the 23rd best winning percentage in college football.

The Huskies’ .646 winning percentage puts them second in the MAC behind Toledo (.698) and ahead of powerhouses Notre Dame, Clemson and Iowa.

Oklahoma has the top winning percentage in the NCAA at .857.

Bail bondsmen

According to the Miami Herald, NIU offensive coordinator John Bond is a finalist for the same position at the University of Miami.

New Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon is filling a staff for the tradition-rich school that has posted a 70-15 record since 2000.

Under the tutelage of Bond, NIU scored 25.5 points per game, ranked second in the MAC in rushing offense and was fifth in passing offense.

Recruiting buzz?

According to Rivals.com, of the 117 teams in Division 1-A, NIU has the 88th best recruiting class in the country.

The well-renowned Web site ranks recruits on a five-star scale, and according to that scale, NIU failed to grab a single “star” player. The 16-player class has a 1.88 average and none of them rank higher than “two-star” recruits.

Signing day is Feb. 7, 2007.

All-Star quartet

Four Huskies have been chosen to participate in post-season all star games.

Senior tight end Jake Nordin played in the North-South All-Star Classic on Jan. 13 in Houston.

Senior offensive tackle Doug Free will play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 20 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 6 p.m.

Senior running back Garrett Wolfe will take the field under the direction of an NFL coaching staff at the Senior Bowl on Jan. 27 in Mobile, Ala. The game is set for a 3 p.m. kick off and will air on the NFL Network.

Senior quarterback Phil Horvath was set to play in the All-American Classic in Las Vegas on Jan. 14, until the event was canceled.

Injury update

Fans of defense held their breath when defensive end Larry English went down in the Poinsettia Bowl. The sophomore from Aurora underwent knee surgery and, according to media services, is doubtful for the spring game.

A rising star on a young defense, English posted 12 sacks and forced four fumbles.

Tight end David Koronkiewicz has shaken off the effects of a concussion suffered against TCU. The sophomore had 11 catches and two touchdowns in 2006.

Wait ‘till next year

NIU won’t have to wait long to avenge a 17-14 loss to Iowa. The Huskies and Hawkeyes will hook up on Sept. 1, 2007 at Soldier Field to open the 2007 season.

Southern Illinois will come to Huskie Stadium on Sept. 8, and a game on Sept. 22 against Tennessee highlights the non-conference slate.