Despite setback in Canada, NIU's Adamski eyes CFL

TORONTO - A lopsided International Bowl loss wasn't the way Eddie Adamski envisioned his collegiate football career ending, but you won't catch him complaining.

Despite the 27-3 bowl loss to South Florida on Saturday, Adamski insists there have been far more highlights than disappointments during his five years with the NIU Huskies.

The Kildeer native, who was a member of the Rimington Award watch list this year as one of the country's top centers, said he is proud to be a key part of the program's rise from a 2-10 season in 2007 to two consecutive bowl game appearances under coach Jerry Kill.

"I've learned a lot and had a lot of experiences and you grow from a lot of it," said the Carmel High School graduate, who started his 50th career game for NIU Saturday. "We've had some difficulties. We had that 2-10 season and we came back with Coach Kill and he was a blessing to us. We bonded together as a team and I think that's important. We're all brothers on the team. That has helped us win games," added the engineering technology major.

Adamski said he "couldn't have picked a better place" than Toronto for his final game, not only because Canada's largest city afforded him plenty of tourist activities to enjoy with his teammates, but also because he may play in the Canadian Football League one day.

"I love the game. I'm not ready to leave it," said the 6-3, 285-pound All-MAC lineman. "If there's a place for me somewhere (in the CFL) where I could fit in, I'd love it. I've been playing for a long time. I think I know the position very well."

Fellow senior Marcus Lewis, who went to Warren Township High School in Gurnee, is also thinking seriously about playing north of the border.

"Coach (Kill) asked me: 'Would you play in Canada?' I said I'd love to play," said the wide receiver, who had 4 catches for 38 yards in the International Bowl. "I haven't been here before but I'm kind of interested in what they (CFL teams) have to offer."

Lewis, who came on strong toward the end of the season - finishing with 29 catches for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns - said he's now sure he can "play at the next level."

"I know I might be a smaller prospect right now because I'm coming from NIU but at the same time I know that my game is pretty dominant. I'm pretty confident in what I can do."