NIU vs. Eastern Illinois preview: 3 Huskies who could have breakout games

The Northern Illinois football team is set to take on Eastern Illinois at 7 p.m. Thursday in the season opener for both teams.

After following the team throughout the spring and fall and having been to more practices than I can count, I’m going to take a look at three Huskies I believe are poised to have a breakout game.

NIU running back Antario Brown (26) runs in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter Tuesday Nov. 23rd while taking on Western Michigan. — Northern Illinois running back Antario Brown runs in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Western Michigan on Nov. 23 in DeKalb. (David Toney for Shaw Local)

Antario Brown, sophomore running back

It seems weird to choose a running back in a loaded backfield who made only two starts last year. Especially considering Harrison Waylee, after missing most of last year after starting early in the season, is back.

And with Mason Blakemore – plus a group of younger backs without any playing time – it’s a crowded backfield. But interestingly, coach Thomas Hammock said Monday touches aren’t necessarily going to whoever has the hot hand, as was the case for a lot of last year. Hammock said things will be more situational as the coaches run plays and put each back into a spot that suits his strengths.

And so far Brown has been beyond impressive in a number of situations. He earned a player of the day jersey in practice this week. And he has looked untouchable in practice, thanks in no small part to the offensive line in front of him.

If I was looking for one back to have an impact game – more than 100 yards, multiple scores – I would think it’s going to be Brown.

Northern Illinois University tight end Miles Joiner talks to one of his coaches during spring practice Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in the Chessick Practice Center at NIU in DeKalb. — Northern Illinois tight end Miles Joiner talks to one of his coaches during spring practice April 6 at the Chessick Practice Center in DeKalb. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Miles Joiner, senior tight end

Wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph is hurt, taking away a major threat for the Huskies’ passing game and quarterback Rocky Lombardi. Cole Tucker and Lombardi have had a great chemistry, especially in the one full scrimmage the Huskies had.

But Joiner has put together a strong camp as well. Not just short yardage and goal line either. He’s been a top target for Lombardi all over the field in multiple situations.

Although he missed most of last year, he’s looked great and has been involved in the offense. If he has a five-catch, 80-yard, one- or two-score game, I really wouldn’t be surprised.

Northern Illinois University linebacker Daveren Rayner listens to head coach Thomas Hammock talk at the end of the session Wednesday, March 30, 2022, during spring practice in the Chessick Practice Center at NIU in DeKalb. — Northern Illinois linebacker Daveren Rayner listens to head coach Thomas Hammock talk at the end of the session March 30 during spring practice at the Chessick Practice Center in DeKalb. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Daveren Rayner, sophomore linebacker

The defense last year did not force a lot of turnovers. At all. The Huskies were one of the worst FCS teams in not only forcing turnovers but getting to the quarterback.

And that’s why I’ve picked Rayner. There’s a couple of players who have to make a leap if the defense as a whole is going to improve from last year, and Rayner is at the top of that list.

And again, throughout camp he has been a force. The offense hasn’t coughed up the ball a lot, but Rayner’s been at the center of a lot of those turnovers. And Thursday night, he’s probably set up to be at the center of a lot of turnovers when it counts.