1,000-yard back Spann returns for NIU

Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill is entering his third season in DeKalb, and he's got plenty of returning experience with 49 letterwinners on both sides of the ball.

Much of the Huskies' offensive punch may come from senior tailback Chad Spann and wideout Landon Cox.

Last season Spann ran for 1,038 yards and 19 touchdowns, while Cox piled up 535 yards on 45 catches.

Quarterback Chandler Harnish spent part of last season injured and finished with 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns, though three other players are vying for the job.

Returnees on what last season was the Mid-American Conference's top defensive unit include all-conference defensive end Jake Coffman.

Last year Northern was 7-6. The school opens the season Sept. 2 at Iowa State.