DeKALB – It's finally time for Jamaal Payton.
After patiently waiting as a reserve for three seasons, the Northern Illinois senior is taking over as the starting middle linebacker as the Huskies open the season at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Wyoming.
"It feels great, man. A long time coming," said Payton, a 6-foot, 228-pounder from Proviso West High School in Bellwood. "It's something I've been prepared for and something that I've been mentally preparing myself for throughout the years."
For the past three seasons, Payton found himself behind Boomer Mays, a three-year starter who capped his decorated career by being named first-team all-Mid-American Conference.