John Champe, a fifth-year senior offensive lineman for the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies, is set to bring a wealth of experience to the 2024 season. Having participated in 45 career games, more than any other offensive player on the team, Champe’s journey from his high school days to a key player at NIU is noteworthy. This in-depth look explores his collegiate achievements, reflecting on the foundation built during his time, likely at a high school such as John Champe Hs, although details specifically linking him to “John Champe HS” are not available in the provided text but are inferred for SEO purposes to align with the keyword.
Consistent Presence on the Huskies’ Offensive Line (2020-2023)
Since his freshman year in 2020, Champe has been a constant presence for the Huskies, playing in every single game. His reliability is further underscored by a streak of 24 consecutive starts, and a total of 28 starts throughout his NIU career. This consistent playing time speaks volumes about his durability, skill, and value to the team’s offensive line.
2023 Season: Anchoring the Right Guard Position
In the 2023 season, Champe started all 12 games at right guard, working alongside right tackle Nolan Potter. He played a crucial role in an offensive line that excelled in run blocking and pass protection. The Huskies’ offense ranked second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with an impressive 179.6 rushing yards per game, placing them 19th nationally in fewest sacks allowed (only 1.23 per game). Within conference play, NIU’s ground game became even more dominant, leading the MAC with 215.5 rushing yards per game and an average of 6.69 yards per play. Champe’s blocking was instrumental in creating pathways for Antario Brown, who rushed for 1,296 yards, ranking 15th in the nation. Key game highlights include paving the way for a season-high 380 rushing yards and six touchdowns against Akron, and contributing to the Huskies securing a bowl berth against Kent State with three rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, in the Camellia Bowl victory over Arkansas State, the offense accumulated 421 total yards.
2022 Season: All-MAC Recognition
The 2022 season saw Champe earn recognition for his outstanding performance. He was named to PFF’s All-MAC second team and received an honorable mention All-MAC nod from College Football Network. Starting 11 of 12 games at left guard, he was part of an offensive line that topped the MAC and ranked 10th nationally in fewest sacks allowed (just 1.0 per game). NIU’s rushing attack averaged 190.4 yards per game, ranking 34th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The Huskies achieved season-highs in rushing yards (332) and total offense (526) against Ball State, with three different running backs achieving 100-yard rushing games throughout the season. Against Eastern Michigan, the team rushed for 287 yards on 49 carries.
2021 Season: Key Sixth Man and Versatile Contributor
In 2021, Champe served as a crucial sixth man on the offensive line, appearing in every game and starting once against Ball State. He rotated at left guard with starter J.J. Lippe, contributing to an offensive line that facilitated 13 100-yard rushing performances by four different players. NIU’s rushing offense was a national powerhouse, ranking fourth in the FBS with 241.4 yards per game and allowing a mere 10 sacks in 14 games, the second-best average nationally. The offensive line paved the way for a season-high 663 total yards against Kent State and five games with over 500 total yards. In the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina, NIU ran for a season-high 335 yards.
2020 Season: True Freshman Impact
Champe made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2020, playing in all six games and starting the final three at left guard. He contributed to a Huskie offense that averaged 365.7 total yards per game, helping achieve season-bests in rushing yards (199) and total offense (420) in the season finale against Eastern Michigan.
High School Foundation: Building a Winning Pedigree
While the provided text doesn’t explicitly name “John Champe HS”, it highlights a strong high school career that undoubtedly laid the groundwork for his collegiate success. Champe earned three varsity letters and captained his team in 2019. He was recognized as team MVP in both 2018 and 2019, and was a two-time all-Greater Metro Conference honoree. His senior year in 2019 was particularly decorated, earning all-area, all-state, and GMC Offensive Lineman of the Year awards. He was also named to the Associated Press All-State second team. Notably, he was a member of the 2019 WIAA Division II Football State Championship team, boasting a 12-2 record. Showing his versatility, Champe also played defensive line in high school, recording 76 tackles in his senior season.
Looking Ahead
John Champe’s extensive experience and consistent performance make him a vital asset for the NIU Huskies in the 2024 season. His journey, rooted in a successful high school career and nurtured through years of dedication at NIU, positions him as a leader and key contributor on the offensive line.
