For the last three seasons, tight end Brad Cieslak was a staple in the NIU starting lineup. On Saturday, junior Jake Nordin will take over the reigns when the Red and Black face off in the NIU Spring Football Game.

On Wednesday, the Northern Star caught up with the 6-foot-4, 253-pounder after an early morning practice.

NS: What is the main difference between the 2004 team and this upcoming year’s squad?

JN: I think this year there is more of a camaraderie thing. I think more than anything, we’re more of a team. This year we’re more of a knit unit and I think that’s what’s going to get us over the hump for the MAC Championship this year.

NS: Any reason for that?

JN: I think just because we’ve all been growing up together. Last year we had some upperclassmen and this year, us juniors and seniors have been coming up together.

NS: You have the task of replacing a three-year starter in Brad Cieslak. What did he teach you in his time here and how did that help you?

JN: He taught me to be aggressive. I came in here playing middle linebacker and he taught me the ropes of playing a more offensive tight end, sticking my nose in there and not being shy to go and get somebody.

NS: What’s it like being a tight end and having such a dynamic backfield that you guys do?

JN: It gives us a lot of options. Garrett [Wolfe] and A.J. [Harris] are probably one of the best tandems in the NCAA right now.

NS: You guys finally got to that bowl game last year. What can the fans expect out of this team in 2005?

JN: I think the same thing. We’re not letting up this year. We’re going after that MAC Championship that we haven’t been able to get. It’s been a goal since my freshman year.

NS: Do you think Bowling Green moving to the East Division makes it easier on you guys?

JN: I think it evens the playing field more. We still have Toledo, which we haven’t been able to beat, and Western Michigan has always been a tough game for us.

NS: How do you evaluate the quarterback situation and the lack of having a clear starter like in years past?

JN: I think everybody that we’ve looked at this spring is doing an awesome job. Phil [Horvath] obviously has the experience, but the other three have been doing a great job.

NS: Who do you think will be starting the season opener at Ann Arbor?

JN: I think just experience wise, Phil has the upper hand in the first game. But don’t count anyone else out to play a little in the game.

NS: Fans look at the Spring Game as fun and a chance to hear some new names. How do you as a player view it?

JN: We look at it as a regular game. We get motivated just as we would against a Michigan. We want to show the fans what we’re made of, and what they can expect in the season to come.

NS: Who is the top “new guy” that is going to make a name for himself this season?

JN: Everybody heard of Larry English last year even though he was injured for most of it, but he’s been coming on really strong this year. Pat Raleigh has been doing a great job at tight end. You’ve always got to look for Shatone [Powers] and Sam [Hurd] – they didn’t catch a lot of balls last year, but I think they’re going to have a great season as well.

NS: What is the biggest question mark going into the season?

JN: Like last year, special teams were a little off for us as everybody knows. We’re going to work real hard at that next year. I think that would be the biggest question mark, but we’re not going to have a problem with it next season.