NIU’s blue-collar tight end who wins with blocking grit
In the 2025 season, Jake Appleget gave Northern Illinois a dependable in-line tight end who started the first nine games, caught 7 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, and earned All-MAC Academic Team honors[10][8]. What makes him interesting is the non-glamour stuff: multiple reports describe him as primarily a blocker with real run-game value, the kind of TE who helps an offense function even when he isn’t piling up catches[12][14]. He has also shown enough receiving touch to matter in the red zone, so if you need a tough, team-first tight end who adds structure and edge, he’s a fit.
