After being recruited by only one college after high school, NIU senior free safety Lionel Hickenbottom has made a name for himself.

Last year the Dolton native ranked 21st in the MAC in tackles with an 8.9 average per game. He also was named MAC west defensive player of the week after making 14 stops and an interception return for a touchdown Nov. 1 in a win against Ball State.

“Boogie,” as he’s nicknamed, was voted a quad captain at the beginning of this season and has responded with 37 tackles after four games.

Northern Star: You have a radio show for the NS*Radio. How did you get started in that?

Lionel Hickenbottom: It all started two years ago at WKDI. Program Director Desmond Bynum gave me a shot and it all went from there.

NS: What made you decide to come to NIU?

LH: It was the opportunity that was given to me. Northern was the only school that gave me a chance.

NS: What’s your most satisfying victory here at Northern?

LH: Well I’m not really satisfied until we get that championship.

NS: You’re a Chicago native, so are you a Cub or Sox fan?

LH: I’m from the South Side so I am a Sox fan.

NS: What’s your favorite cheer that you hear from the NIU fans at Huskie Stadium?

LH: I like when the fans go back and forth around the stadium saying ‘N…..I…..U!’

NS: If you could go to any bowl game which one would you want to go to?

LH: If we could go to any bowl game, I would want to go to the biggest game, so I guess the Rose Bowl. But I’d be more than happy to take any bowl that they would give to us.

NS: What’s your ultimate goal at NIU?

LH: Win a MAC championship.