In addition to those four, NIU redshirt freshman James Ester (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) and second year freshman Daveren Rayner (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central HS) received spots on the PFF preseason third team along with senior punter Matt Ference (St. Louis, Mo./Lafayette HS) and senior punt returner Cole Tucker (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb HS). Senior Kyle Pugh (Chicago Heights, Ill./BloomTownship HS) was an honorable mention choice at linebacker.
Richie, a 2020 first team All-MAC wide receiver, accounted for 42 percent (53 of 127) of the Huskies' total receptions a year ago and was one of the three highest-graded receivers in the MAC, according to PFF. They give him strong marks for breaking tackles and making contested catches.
Patton, a "super senior" in 2021 who has started 26 games at either guard or center over the last three seasons, was the top-rated center on PFF's preseason team. He finished 2020 ranked second in PFF's grades of MAC centers and was the fourth-highest player at that position among Group of Five players according to the website.
Richardson enters his third season as NIU's starting kicker in 2021 having made 21-of-27 field goals and all 44 of his PAT tries over the last two seasons. His field goals include a pair of game-winners and a career-long 51-yard three, in 2019.
Named a 2020 Freshman All-American at kick returner by both The Athletic and the Football Writer's Association of America (FWAA), Trayvon Rudolph ranked second in the nation in combined kick returns while averaging 23.9 yards on 30 returns.
Ester has played in 10 games over the last two seasons, including all six games in 2020 when he finished ninth on the team with 19 tackles and had a pair of tackles for loss and a sack. In his first year with the Huskies in 2020, Rayner made 27 tackles and broke up three passes with a pair of tackles for loss and a sack.
Another of NIU's six "super seniors" for 2021, Ference already owns nearly every NIU single season and career punting record, including punting average, which stands at 41.5 yards per punt with 46 punts of 50 yards or more as a Huskie. Tucker's sure hands and consistency as a punt returner – with 33 returns in 32 career games played – helped him secure a spot on PFF's third team.
Pugh has compiled 186 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss in a 34-game career that dates back to his arrival on campus in 2015. The NIU super senior had already received a sixth year of eligibility prior to COVID-19 after seeing several seasons cut short due to injury.
In June, 13 Huskies were named to Phil Steele's Preseason All-MAC Team with Richie and Rudolph named to the first team by that publication.
Huskies on the PFF 2021 Preseason All-MAC Team
First Team
Tyrice Richie, Wide Receiver
Brayden Patton, Interior Offensive Line
John Richardson, Kicker
Trayvon Rudolph, Kick Returner
Third Team
James Ester, Interior Defensive Line
Daveren Rayner, Linebacker
Matt Ference, Punter
Cole Tucker, Punt Returner
Honorable Mention
Kyle Pugh, Linebacker
NIU is excited to welcome fans back to Huskie Stadium this fall, beginning with the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 11, and anticipates being able to accommodate all season ticket members for all six 2021 home games. Returning season ticket members can renew their season tickets online at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies or by calling the NIU Athletics Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) Monday through Friday during business hours. All messages will be returned within one business day. The ticket office can also be reached via email at huskiestickets@niu.edu.
Season tickets for NIU Football are available for as little as $66 for all six games (just $11/game!) with the purchase of four tickets through the Huskie Family Pack, or $85 for General Admission seating on the East Side of Huskie Stadium. On the West Side, reserved seats in sections A, B, F and G are $132 for all six games. Senior citizens (62+), NIU Faculty/Staff, NIU Alumni Association and Varsity Club members pay $132 for season tickets in any non-premium area on the West Side. For all others, reserved seats in sections C, D and E on the West Side are $150. Benchback and chairback seats in sections C, D and E on the West Side are $150 and require a per seat payment.
For information on premium seating options, including benchback and chairback seating, SkyBox, SkyClub and Terrace Suites, contact the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or go online to HuskieAthleticFund.com for more information.
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Nine Huskies on PFF 2021 Preseason All-MAC Team - Northern Illinois University Athletics
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