Star tailback Michael Turner isn’t the only Northern Illinois player impressed with the work of his backup, sophomore A.J. Harris. Coach Joe Novak also applauded Harris’ running. Harris rushed for 106 yards in relief of Turner, who ran for 126, in Saturday’s 48-23 rout of Ball State. “A.J. gained over 100 yards at Western Michigan last year when [Turner] hurt an ankle,” Novak said. “But then he was more worried about fumbling. Now he’s running with confidence. He’s big–217 pounds –and almost as fast as Mike. A.J. was state 200-meter champion at Wheaton North.” Harris is slated for more action Saturday when NIU (8-1, 4-1) plays a Mid-American Conference game at Buffalo (1-9, 1-5). . . . Junior safety Lionel Hickenbottom was named MAC West defensive player of the week.
