3 players who aren’t that well known yet but could have a big impact – Shaw Local

The NIU football team held its first practice game on Saturday, conducting approximately 90 minutes of full-team drills in game-like situations.

It was also the second practice open to the media. After watching the scrimmage and a practice before media day on Tuesday, here are three players who could have a big impact on the Huskies’ season, which begins Aug. 31 at home against Western Illinois.

This list doesn’t mention obvious players like Antario Brown, who had some long runs during training camp, or Trayvon Rudolph, who did an amazing job of catching a pass while falling to the ground on a play where the defender was whistled for pass interference.

And of course, it’s hard for a quarterback to stay inconspicuous, even when there’s no named starter.

Here are three types that should not be underestimated.

Justin Lynch, running back

The redshirt junior transfer from Temple is in his second year as a running back after starting his career as a quarterback, but the way he’s played so far, he might be better suited to the old ATH designation.

Lynch has been used as a pure halfback, a blocking back and on the wings. At practice on Tuesday, he appeared to be a safety net for Josh Holst, the youngest of the three players vying for the starting quarterback spot. However, it should be noted that fullback Brock Lampe did most of the running in short-yardage situations on Saturday.

Lynch weighs up to 225 pounds and brings versatility to the Huskies, similar to Lampe or Grayson Barnes, according to offensive coordinator and running back coach Wesley Beschorner.

Mark Hensley, defensive tackle

There is a lot of returning talent on the defensive line, but the redshirt freshman managed to stand out in both open practices.

What is particularly notable is that the 6’3″ and 280lb player has shown some skill. On Saturday, he chased Holst out of the field on a running play at third and seventh base and held him to just two yards. On Tuesday, he managed a sack against Holst.

As well as he got to the sideline, redshirt junior Jalen Macon, a 6’5″, 230-pound transfer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff in pursuit of the quarterback job, raced past him to the sideline. The play was called off as the two appeared to be on a collision course, the outcome of which would have been very interesting.

Cam Thompson, wide receiver

The offense scored a touchdown in Saturday’s full-team practice game, and while Ethan Hampton was on the field as quarterback on that drive, Thompson was a key player.

The Eastern Illinois transfer faced tight coverage from Amariyun Knighten in the corner of the end zone. Hampton threw a perfect pass into the small window and Thompson caught it for the point on third-and-7.

He also converted a block into a 6-yard gain earlier in the drive and earned a pass interference call on a third-and-11 attempt earlier in the drive.