Defensive line

All eyes this preseason have been focused on defensive end Larry English, but the Huskie's line is more than a one-man show.

English is returning after a sophomore season in which he performed a 12-sack symphony.

However, English isn't the only one with the power to bring down the opposing team's quarterback. At 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds, defensive tackle Craig Rusch showed his power last season. In 11 games he provided the Huskies with six sacks and 14 tackles for a loss.

Nose guard Alex Krutsch also saw limited time last season due to an injury. In seven games the 6-foot-2, 258-pounder had a sack and blocked kick. Brandon Bice starts as the other defensive end. The sophomore had one sack last year as he only played in three games as a freshman.

Grade: A-

Linebackers

With 111 tackles, team captain Tim McCarthy is the Huskies leading returning tackler. However, McCarthy has missed the last week of practice due to a staph infection.

The junior said on Tuesday that he felt "great" and that he "was almost back at 100 percent."

He was going to try and practice on Tuesday.

It seems more unlikely that linebacker Phil Brown will be on the field Saturday.

"Phil Brown academically is still on the bubble. He's got to petition something. We probably wont' know till Thursday," NIU head coach Joe Novak said. "And if he plays it will be very limited and would probably be in only an emergency situation, if he does."

Even if NIU is without the two it has depth at the position. Cory Hanson played in all 13 games last year and was number five in tackles. Middle linebacker John Tranchitella also played in all 13 games last season, and projected starting strong linebacker saw action in 11 games.

Grade: B

Secondary

Cornerbacks Melvin Rice and Chase Carter look to replace the Hansbro twins from last season.

In 13 games last season Rice had two picks and three broken up passes. Carter is a new comer to NIU, but is no a rookie. The transfer student made two interceptions and 33 tackles at Coffeyville Community College last season.

Although many expected to see Mark Reiter, Spencer Williamson, or both start as safety, the two will start the season on the depth charts as number twos.

"Spencer Williamson and Mark Reiter were our starters in the spring, but they got banged up and they haven't practiced much. Right now they're No. 2's," defensive backs coach John Hauser said. "Those guys are battling to get back on the field, pushing the ones and creating that competition to make everybody better."

With those two banged up, Bradley Pruitt and Alex Kube look to take on the load. Pruitt played in 12 games last season with 48 tackles, while Kube has yet to play as he was redshirted last season.

Grade: B