NIU football co-captains Todd Peat and Doug Bartlett were honored as Associated Press All-Americans for their performances in the 1986 season.

Peat ended his four-year Huskie career as a third-team choice after two consecutive years as an honorable mention selection. The 6-foot-2, 278-pound offensive guard became the first Huskie to be a three-time All-American choice.

“It feels really good (to be chosen),” said Peat. “It was a tough season for the team, but it was an honor for me to be recognized. It’s tough to get recognition when your team has a losing record.

“It’s been something I thought I could do since my freshman year. This is about the greatest honor I have received.”

Bartlett was chosen honorable mention for the second consecutive season. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound nose guard/defensive tackle was recognized despite missing eight starts because of an ankle injury.

“Actually, I didn’t do much to deserve it,” said Bartlett. “I was on the sideline most of the season. They gave it to me because of my past performance.”

Peat and Bartlett both said they want and expect to play professional football following graduation.

“I’m really planning on playing in the pros,” said Peat, who is considered a good pro prospect because of his combination of strength (450-pound bench press) and speed (5.0 seconds in the 40-yard dash). “I’ve received mail from about 12 or 13 teams plus I think all 28 teams came to see me, Doug Bartlett and Clarence Vaughn play.”

Bartlett said playing in the National Football League has been a life-long dream.

“My goal has been to play pro football since I was knee-high to a grasshopper,” he said. “These other things (awards) are nice but they really are insignificant.”

Bartlett also possesses the rare combination of power and quickness. He has been clocked at 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and bench presses 430 pounds. Bartlett has been contacted by a number of pro teams but said he isn’t sure when or if he’ll be drafted.

“I’ve been in touch with a lot of teams,” he said. “Guys (scouts) have told me that I’ll be drafted in the second round. Others have told me I won’t be drafted at all.”

Because of his All-American status, Peat has been invited to a pro scouting combine camp. About 350 seniors will compete in front of representatives from almost every pro team.

“About 26 teams’ general managers and scouts will be there,” said Peat. “When I’m drafted depends a lot on how well I do at the camp. I could move up a few rounds or fall back a couple.”

Coach Jerry Pettibone said, “They’ll both be drafted. I don’t know what rounds they’ll go in, but they’ll both have an opportunity to make it in pro football.”