One year ago, P.J. Fleck believed he had his future mapped out.
Fleck, a 5-foot-10-inch, 185-pound senior, expected to play his final season at Northern Illinois as the Huskies’ sure-handed possession receiver. Then he would graduate and begin to pursue his life’s dream of becoming a football coach.
By now, Fleck figured, he would be working as a graduate assistant coach at Northern or perhaps the University of Illinois.
But a nagging hamstring injury changed Fleck’s plans. It limited him to a handful of plays early last season, so he was granted another season of eligibility. Now he’s a fifth-year senior on the Northern team that entertains powerful Maryland, the nation’s 15th-ranked team, in Thursday’s 6:40 p.m. season opener at Huskie Stadium.
Tough road ahead
A glance at Northern’s schedule suggests Fleck might regret that last year’s 8-4 season wasn’t his last as a player. In three of their first four games this season, coach Joe Novak’s Huskies play nationally respected teams: Maryland, Alabama and Iowa State.
But Fleck is upbeat. He couldn’t be happier about how things have worked out. He views the tough schedule as a magnificent opportunity.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said. “It’s our way to earn respect. Some people still think of the Mid-American Conference as having lesser teams. Toledo and Marshall and Bowling Green helped change that by beating big teams. Now we have that opportunity.”
The Huskies already are respected within the MAC. Novak’s last three teams finished 6-5, 6-5 and 8-4. NIU tied for the MAC West titles in 2001 and 2002.
Fourteen of last year’s 24 starters return, including tailback Michael “the Burner” Turner.
Moving up in class
By any yardstick, the Huskies step up in class when they face Maryland.
Coach Ralph Friedgen’s Terrapins are 21-5 over the past two seasons. Last year, they were 11-3, whipped Tennessee 30-3 in the Peach Bowl and finished No. 13 in the nation.
The Terrapins have injuries. Star tailback Bruce Perry has a sprained ankle and wide receiver-kick returner Steve Suter has an ailing hamstring. Both are expected to miss Thursday’s opener.
Still, the Huskies will be underdogs against the visitors who might be the strongest team ever to play in Huskie Stadium.
Making a difference
Novak is counting on Fleck’s upbeat attitude and leadership to carry the Huskies over rough spots in their schedule.
“No question, it’s a positive to have P.J. back,” Novak said. “He is a great team leader. He leads by example. His enthusiasm is infectious.”
The Huskies were mired in their infamous 23-game losing streak in 1997-98 when Fleck, a native of Sugar Grove, was a huge high school star at Kaneland, a 678-student school in Maple Park. He won all-state honors in football, basketball and track. As a senior, he set a state record with 95 receptions.
Making tough catches
Fleck has a successful method for establishing close rapport with his quarterbacks. He picks them as his roommates–the graduated Chris Finlen and now Josh Haldi.
Fleck isn’t a “burner” such as Turner or punt returner Dan Sheldon. He will go over the middle and accept tough hits. In his career, he has caught 102 passes for 1,134 yards. He has gained 1,931 yards as a receiver, return man and as a passer with a one 61-yard completion.
Fleck also boasts a 3.43 grade-point average.
“I’ve always been goal-oriented in sports and in the classroom,” he said.
Maryland at Northern Illinois
Time: 6:40 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Net.
Radio: WLBK-AM 1360, WAUR-AM 930.
Line: Maryland by 9.
Records: Season opener.
2002 records: Terrapins went 11-3, 6-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference. Huskies were 8-4, 7-1 in Mid-American.
Series: Maryland leads 1-0.
Last meeting: Maryland 30-6 (1994). Huskies led 6-0 at halftime in Joe Novak’s coaching debut, but Terrapins won 30-6 in College Park, Md.
Team comparison (2002 stats/national rank)
Category NIU MD
Rushing offense 200.7/27 198.8/28
Passing offense 175.4/90 190.6/75
Total offense 376.1/55 389.4/41
Scoring offense 31.2/27 32.2/21
Rushing defense 131.8/38 128.6/34
Passing defense 254.9/103 210.1/52
Total defense 386.7/73 338.7/36
Scoring defense 24.8/49 16.3/7
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The Huskies outlook: The preseason MAC favorite is seeking respect for its midmajor program and recognition for its Heisman Trophy candidate Michael “the Burner” Turner. Said Novak: “Our kids have waited for years for a game like this.”
The Maryland outlook: Star running back Bruce Perry (ankle) and wide receiver Steve Suter (hamstring) are out with injuries. The 15th-ranked Terps must avoid looking past NIU to next week’s showdown at Florida State.
Bill Jauss.
