One of the main priorities for Jerry Kill since taking over the Northern Illinois head coaching job in December 2007 has been upgrading the team's speed. Kill put a heavier emphasis on speed following NIU's loss to South Florida in the International Bowl.

"When we played South Florida, it was evident what they brought to the table at linebacker," Kill said. "So you kind of get a way of looking at what you need. We feel we addressed that. We feel like we've got some guys that can really run and that was important."

The Huskies signed six linebackers who all possess speed to upgrade the defense against the majority of spread offenses throughout college football.

"I think there is a great deal of speed in the class without a doubt," Kill said. ...More