NIU’s Sklyer Gill-Howard a defensive wrecking ball; named MAC Co-Defensive POW

DEKALB, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Northern Illinois University defensive tackle Sklyer Gill-Howard continues to come into his own as a big-time Division I defensive player. Monday, he was named the Mid-American Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

The junior led the way in NIU’s 17-7 win at Bowling Green this past Saturday. He had two sacks, three tackles-for-loss and six tackles. His biggest play was a sack in the third quarter when Bowling Green had a third-and-goal from the NIU 2. That played forced Bowling Green to attempt a field goal which it missed.

Gill-Howard is a key part of an NIU defense that ranks third in the country in total defense and first in the nation in third down defense.

The Huskies are 4-2. They’ll host Toledo this Saturday afternoon in a key MAC game.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.