Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (Clive, Iowa/Valley) returns for one last season with the Huskies after wowing NIU fans and the nation in 2021.
One of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in the Mid-American Conference in 2021, Lombardi led the Huskies with 2,597 passing yards and completed 58 percent of his throws to help guide the Huskies to the program's sixth MAC Championship.
His offensive coordinator and position coach, Eric Eidsness, has seen Lombardi make even more strides through fall camp.
"This is year two for him in our system so for him, it's a lot better. He's more comfortable with what we're looking for and what we're expecting. He's more comfortable with those around him," said Eidsness.
Eidsness understands that having a starting quarterback return allows the offense to settle in and stay focused during camp.
"Anytime you have that familiarity in the huddle, the guys just know that you're going to lead them and I think that part of it is very exciting - to have him back and ready to lead us,"
Head Coach Thomas Hammock also appreciates Lombardi being an extension of the coach staff and recognizes the significance of a player-led team.
"I tell him all the time - if he wants to coach, all he has to do is give me a call!" said Hammock. "He's a coach on the field and he knows the ins-and-outs of what we're trying to accomplish here."
NIU is fortunate to have young and eager quarterbacks behind Lombardi, ready to step in if the time comes. The role they play cannot and does not go unnoticed within the program. Whether it be scout team duties, calling plays from the sideline or driving Lombardi to be better, the entire quarterback room plays a role in helping the Huskies' offense accomplish their goals.
"I think the biggest thing is in our (QB) room, you're looking for everybody to grow together. If an injury happens, the next guy has got to be ready. They've got to approach it from a learning standpoint, like they are the guy and then suddenly, when they are the guy, they're not shocked. They're not surprised or not in a bad spot. I think you can talk about that, but it takes a mature person to actually be in that role," said Eidsness.
Lombardi especially appreciates the role the other quarterbacks play on the team. This is Lombardi's sixth season playing collegiate football, so he's truly a seasoned vet. His knowledge of the position allows him to teach, which in-turn, helps him get better every day.
"One way that they've helped me get better is by me constantly teaching them," said Lombardi. "I think one of the best ways to learn something is to teach that thing. I'm out here every day, trying to make them better. We've seen some real improvement from a lot of the QBs in that room from last year to this year. So, I'm just keeping an eye on them and pushing them to get better. I think that makes me better at the same time,"
Eidness says that Huskie fans should keep an eye on rising redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Hampton (Elburn, Ill./Aurora Christian). In 2021, Hampton saw action in two games while serving as back-up quarterback to Lombardi.
"Hampton has had a really good camp," Eidsness said of the quarterback who on Thursday was wearing the coveted "juice" jersey. "He was our backup last year and he's really grown. He missed spring ball which was a big growth time. He missed probably 300-reps during that time. So, to get him caught up was big. He started out kind of slow, but really has picked it up the last two weeks, so we're proud of him and what he's done. Then the other guys behind him - there's still a battle to see who's going to be that third guy."
