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KEY LOSSES
The Huskies lost quality leadership and production after the graduation of tailback Chad Spann and defensive end Jake Coffman. The Huskies will have trouble filling the 1,388 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns by Spann. Coffman was a standout on the defensive line, recording a team-high 9.5 sacks. The Huskies lost several key players who are part of three straight bowl trips, but head coach Dave Doeren's signed 22 players to shore up some holes. Running back Jamal Womble should receive a good shot at getting some carries after a productive juco career. Defensive end Cameron Clinton-Earl has quality speed and could develop into a starter.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2010:

QB Chandler Harnish -- He owns a special place in school history as a three-year starter in bowl games. Harnish is a running and passing threat and should be a good bridge with his experience between the old and new coaching staff. Look for Harnish to take a bigger leadership role in his final season.

RB Jasmin Hopkins -- An all-purpose threat, Hopkins has good speed and expected to become a bigger part of the offense following the graduation of Chad Spann. Hopkins gained 366 rushing yards in his first year at Northern Illinois.

LB Tyrone Clark -- Was named NIU's Linebacker of the Year after leading the team with four interceptions. After a breakout season, Clark will get a bigger role on defense following the loss of several standouts.

DB Tommy Davis -- A key reason why the Huskies won 11 games last year. A multi-purpose threat, Davis shined on special teams in leading the Huskies in kick and punt returns and ranked third on the team with 69 tackles. Davis is a valuable player on special teams and enters his final two years expected to become a leader.

PLAYER NOTES

--NIU coach Dave Doeren filled his coaching staff in late January by bringing in Richard McNutt to coach the cornerbacks. Eight of the nine new coaches are new additions, with linebackers coach Tom Matukewicz the lone holder coach.

--QB Chandler Harnish returns for his senior year. Harnish has started in three straight bowl games. The new coaching staff signed one quarterback during the recruiting period, inking Matt McIntosh. Harnish, who didn't start the 2010 opener at Iowa State, battled injuries in his first two years before playing a full season last year.

--QB DeMarcus Grady, who started the 2010 opener at Iowa State, joined the basketball team immediately after NIU's bowl victory over Fresno State.

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