2008 OUTLOOK: The Huskies can be a surprise team with all the talent on the roster returning. Northern Illinois lost just one key player from last year's 2-10 team, but approximately 20 players missed a portion of spring practice because of injuries. The Huskies need to decide on a quarterback and get healthy to avoid a slow start against a tough early season schedule. They return 55 lettermen and won't lack for motivation after a losing 10 games to end the program's major-college school-record of seven straight winning seasons.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Senior quarterback Dan Nicholson's offseason shoulder surgery opened the door for redshirt freshman Chandler Harnish and DeMarcus Grady to challenge returnee Ryan Morris for practice reps. The offense is loaded with talent, but question marks remain on several players returning from offseason surgeries and motivational issues following a frustrating 2-10 season. Receivers Matt Simon and Britt Davis must return healthy and tailback Justin Anderson is a set for another big season after recovering from a knee injury late last season. The offense will score points, but the quarterback position holds the key to whether the team can handle a tough schedule and new system.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The defense took several lumps after numerous key starters went down with season-ending injuries last year. The most painful, a 70-21 loss to a 5-7 Toledo team. The defense has depth at nearly every position and features several talented and experienced players. Whether the scars, both mental and physical, are lingering from last year will determine the success for the 2008 defense. Kill will keep former coach Joe Novak's 4-3 system, but plans on emphasizing speed to counter the team's injuries and bring toughness to the unit.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Other than senior punter Andy Dittbenner, a starter since his first game as a freshman, the Huskies have several holes to fill on special teams. Mike Salerno is the main candidate for the open starting kicker spot and new coach Jerry Kills plans to audition several players for the punt and kickoff return spots.

ROSTER REPORT

--Safety Alex Kube was moved to strongside linebacker to take advantage of his speed and playmaking abilities.

--Defensive linemen Craig Rusch joined key returnees Larry English, Dan Nicholson, Matt Simon and Britt Davis sitting out spring practice because of rehab from offseason surgeries.

--Linebacker Tim McCarthy is recovering from knee and back injuries. McCarthy is a key part of the defense. He recorded 100-plus tackles in his first two seasons before suffering a season-ending injury in week two last season.

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