Former Huskies running back Thomas Hammock started a career with Wells Fargo Financial after graduating from NIU, but football once again came calling.

After spending two seasons as an administrative and graduate assistant under Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin, an opportunity to return to NIU as the running backs coach arose.

Hammock’s playing career ended prematurely during his senior year in 2002 because of health problems.

The Northern Star caught up with the two-time Academic all-American to discuss his future, the Huskies running game and whether he ever feels like suiting back up.

Northern Star: First of all, how is your health?

Thomas Hammock: I’m doing fine. I just need to get back in some shape and work out.

NS: How does it feel to be back in DeKalb?

TH: It feels great. This is a great opportunity for me and I plan to make the best of it.

NS: What was it like working under Coach Alvarez at such a big program like Wisconsin?

TH: It was great, obviously. There were some similarities and some differences to NIU, but I prefer to be around this group because it’s my alma mater and I care more about the university.

NS: How did you wind up with the job of NIU running backs coach?

TH: Coach Novak and I just kind of bumped in to each other and it just snowballed from there.

NS: Do you think this could help be a stepping stone to a head coaching position?

TH: Well, to be honest I just want to work as hard as I can and help the running backs be the best they can be.

NS: How good can Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris be?

TH: I think they have the potential to be the top tandem in the country going into the 2005 season. They will have to work at it, and it won’t be easy, but we expect big things from them.

NS: Do you ever get the urge to put the pads back on?

TH: No. That itch has been scratched, and I’m just looking forward to working with these great kids.

NS: What is tougher, playing or coaching?

TH: I would say coaching is tougher because as a player you control your own fate. As a coach you need to find ways to coach guys up and be successful.

NS: Do you think your age will help you relate to the team better?

TH: I think my age is a plus in this particular situation. I’m not too far removed and I know what the players are going through in college.