Northern Illinois released its initial preseason depth chart at Tuesday's Chicago media day. Here are a few observations.
— Probably the biggest surprise is the fact senior Logan Pegram, the lone returning starter on the offensive line, is now listed as the starting center after playing guard his first three seasons. Pegram takes over for Scott Wedige, who's now competing for a spot on the Arizona Cardinals' roster. Look for more on this from Anthony Zilis in Thursday's Daily Chronicle.
— Senior Victor Jacques is listed as the starter at middle linebacker with Devon Butler no longer on the team. Even before Butler's dismissal, Doeren said Jacques would be competing for the job.
— Left tackle Tyler Loos and tight end Jason Schepler, a Sycamore product, are listed first at their respective positions. Both players sat out spring practice while recovering from torn ACLs.
— There isn't a definite starter at running back, which isn't much of a surprise. Akeem Daniels, Leighton Settle and Jamal Womble are all listed at the top.
Here's the depth chart —
Offense
Quarterback: Jordan Lynch (first team), Matt McIntosh (second team)
Tailback: Akeem Daniels OR Leighton Settle OR Jamal Womble
Fullback: Rob Sterling (first), Ricky Connors (second)
Wide receiver (X): Martel Moore, Juwan Brescacin
Wide receiver (Y): Da'Ron Brown, Angelo Sebastiano
Wide receiver (F): Tommylee Lewis, Jamison Wells
Wide receiver (Z): Perez Ashford, Juwan Brescacin
Tight end: Jason Schepler, Luke Eakes
Left tackle: Tyler Loos, Ryan Brown
Left guard: Andrew Ness OR Tyler Pitt
Center: Logan Pegram, Mike Gegner
Right guard: Aidan Conlon OR Matthew Killian
Right tackle: Matt Krempel, Wes Ott
Defense
Right end: Alan Baxter, Joe Windsor
Defensive tackle: Ken Bishop OR Anthony Wells
Nose guard: Nabal Jefferson, Zach Anderson
Defensive end: Sean Progar, Jason Meehan
Outside linebacker: Jamaal Bass, Michael Santacaterina
Middle linebacker: Victor Jacques, Boomer Mays
Outside linebacker: Tyrone Clark, Videl Nelson OR Bobby Winkel
Cornerback: Rashaan Melvin, Sean Evans
Strong safety: Dechane Durante, Rasheen Lemon OR Tre Moore
Free safety: Jimmie Ward, Courtney Stephen
Cornerback: Jhony Faustin OR Demetrius Stone
Specialists
Placekicker: Mathew Sims
Kickoff specialist: Tyler Wedel
Punter: Ryan Neir
Long snapper: Brian Mayer
Holder: Ryan Neir
Punt returner: Tommylee Lewis, Perez Ashford
Kickoff returner: Tommylee Lewis AND Perez Ashford
— Steve Nitz, snitz@shawmedia.com, @SNitz_DDCon Twitter
