Northern Illinois Huskies
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd in West)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 5
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Thomas Hammock* (1,083 yds)
Passing: Chris Finlen* (1,857 yds)
Receiving: Justin McCareins (1,168 yds)
Tackles: Larry Williams* and Jermaine Hampton (112)
Sacks: Larry Williams* (4)
Interceptions: Vince Thompson* and Demerist Whitfield* (5)
What's new
The 2001 Huskies are not void of talent, but certainly have a lot less experience than they did a year ago. Gone are nine four-year lettermen, including four all-conference performers. Three starters need to be replaced on an offensive line that paved the way for a unit which ranked 12th in the nation in both rushing and scoring. Filling these key spots will be critical to the early-season success of the team.
Battling it out
The order of depth on the interior defensive line seems to have been decided coming out of the spring, but look out for incoming freshman Justin McIntyre this August. The Shreveport (La.) prep star is much bigger (6-1, 310) than the current leaders at that position, and his size could be of immediate value to an undersized defensive front.
Eye catcher: LB Nick Duffy
Duffy played in nine games as a true freshman, making 30 tackles and giving a glimpse of his potential in the program. He is an intelligent player with good football instincts, who was even asked to call the defensive signals at times last year. Duffy continued to be impressive in spring drills and takes the starting middle linebacker role into the fall.
Budding star: WR Darrell Hill
He played in only two games last season after a fractured finger put him out of action. The previous year, however, Hill had more than 500 yards receiving, which included a 96-yard touchdown. He is an excellent athlete with breakaway speed and an excellent kickoff returner. If he can pick up where he left off two years ago, he will provide a very solid replacement for Justin McCareins.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
