--Defensive end Larry English is rehabbing from suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the offseason. English underwent surgery and sat out the spring drills. English has 23.5 sacks in three seasons and the leader on the defense.

--The quarterback job is wide open. Despite a senior-laden team, new coach Jerry Kill called every position open for competition, forcing injured senior quarterback Dan Nicholson to fight for his job in August. Nicholson sat out spring practice because he underwent offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder in January. Nicholson is motivated to show last season's 14-interception showing was a fluke.

SPRING MOVERS

QB Chandler Harnish -- The redshirt freshman shined in spring practice with senior Dan Nicholson sitting out because of shoulder surgery. Harnish made some mistakes but impressed the coaching staff with his ability to lead the offense and adapt to all the changes.

QB DeMarcus Grady -- Somewhat overwhelmed at the start of spring, Grady, a redshirt freshman, started picking up the offense late in the spring and brought some much needed athleticism to the position.

OL Adam Kiel -- A redshirt freshman, Kiel got plenty of reps even though the Huskies have a deep and experienced group of returning offensive linemen.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"As a group, we've created more depth this spring. We worked with what we had and who was healthy. We did learn a lot about the kids who were out there. My main concern is the health of our team on August 1. If we are healthy, then I think we have a chance to have a good football team. The guys that are out in August will have to learn fast, but I think they will (be able to) because they are older and they have played before." -- New NIU coach Jerry Kill on spring practice.

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