"Coach Hammock made it very clear about what kind of identity we're going to have on offense and that's going to be running the football," said NIU tight ends coach Jason Onyebuagu. "He actually singled out the tight ends as being an extension of that run game. The better we do, the better off the run game will be. We take pride in making sure that we are an extension of that O-line."
It's kind of a curious situation in the tight end room in 2021. The Huskies open the season without a tight end having made a catch in 2020. Even transfer Miles Joiner (Dayton, Ohio/Butler), who came to NIU after a three-year career at Youngstown State, sat out last season before coming to NIU. However, that does not concern Onyebuagu.
"As far as he catches, we have guys who have a lot of experience at the position, that just don't have stats yet for NIU, which those are coming," he said.
Joiner, is NIU's most experienced pass catcher. During his three seasons at Youngstown, the Huskie newcomer compiled 521 yards and seven touchdowns on 33 receptions in 22 games for the Penguins.
"Miles is what the future of the tight end position is," Onyebuagu said. "Somebody who can split out in the slot, run routes and be a mismatch problem for defenses but also be attached, put his hand in the dirt and block 260-, 270-pound defensive ends. He's done exceptional job at that."
A veteran offensive coach and former NIU offensive lineman, Onyebuagu returned to his alma mater to coach tight ends this season. A longtime offensive line coach, Onyebuagu couldn't have taken over coaching a position that provided a more seamless transition for him.
"It's been a good learning experience," Onyebuagu said. "I think a chance for those guys to start fresh with a new coach, and a chance for me to start fresh at a new position where, as a coach, you're hungry to learn and continue to develop, I think it's all come together to be a really good experience. We've had a really good camp."
Onyebuagu has a good group of tight ends to work with in his first season as tight ends coach. In addition to Joiner, Liam Soraghan (Dearborn, Mich./Devine Child), a two-year letterwinner, who played a key role as a blocker in NIU's running game in 2020.
"I think the biggest thing with Liam is, he knows his skill set," he said. "He's somebody who understands who he is a football player and he maximizes what he does well as far as blocking and those kind of things in which through camp he's been exceptional. You put him in there and we joke about it, but sometimes he looks like just another offensive tackle out there with how well he's been blocking.
"I think what you've seen in the passing game is somebody who's just continued to work at their craft. As far as running routes and when the ball comes to him, he knows his skillset. He's going to catch the ball, get vertical and he's going to get what he's going to get."
Tristin Tewes (Pleasant Plains, Ill./Pleasant Plains), who came in as a tight end, moved to linebacker at the beginning of the season, is back at tight end again this season. Drew Cassens (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North), who came in at quarterback, made the move to tight end in the spring. The two have been solid in camp.
"I think they're both going to have really bright futures here," Onyebuagu said of the pair. "Their versatility allows them to have success on the football field."
The four veterans have been a fine example to the four first-year tight ends on the Huskie roster, George Gumbs (Chicago, Ill./Simeon), Blake Kosin (Davisburg, Mich./Clarkston), Jake Novotny (Greendale, Wis./Marquette University) and Izuchukwu Ozoh (Hazel Crest, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor).
NIU opens the season at Georgia Tech on September 4 before welcoming fans back to the stands at full capacity in Huskie Stadium beginning with the home opener versus Wyoming on September 11. Kickoff for the game is at 12:30 p.m. (CT) and the game will honor First Responders and Health Care Heroes, while also serving as a Welcome Back Fans celebration.
Season tickets for NIU's complete six-game home schedule remain on sale with season ticket prices as low as $85. Purchase a minimum of four tickets for all six games via the Family Pack for just $90 per ticket (in sections B and F) or $66 per ticket (in sections A and G). Three-game or four-game mini-plans are also available with Mission's 3-Game Mini-Plan priced at $79 (including processing), while Victor E.'s 4-Game Mini-Plan is $107.
To see all the ticket options and prices, and for more information on premium seating, see the Football Ticket Page at NIUHuskies.com. To purchase tickets, call 815-753-PACK (7225) or go to NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies.
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August 28, 2021 at 10:30AM
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NIU Football Position Preview: Tight Ends - Northern Illinois University Athletics
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