The Northern Illinois University football team finished its season with a 8-4 record, becoming eligible for a upcoming bowl game in December.

The Huskies defense was the strongpoint of the team this season, as they averaged a minute 4.57 yards per play while also giving up just 328 yards per game.

Sutton Smith, redshirt sophomore defensive end, however was the focal point of the veteran defense leading the team in almost every major category.

The one time running back accumulated a total of 14 sacks, breaking the record of former pro defender Larry English.

In the 12 games the versatile defender played Smith totaled 27.5 total tackles for loss while having 55 for his overall resume.

“It’s definitely a team sack record, the guys inside make my life a lot easier so I can rush freely so you have to give all the credit to those guys,” Smith said in a 2017 Northern Star article.

The St. Charles, Missouri product stands at just 6 feet and 1 inch weighing 225 pounds, being more petite than most defenders at his position.

“My size [also] might be a little shorter than the usual, but I’m not the weakest guy on the field, that’s for sure,” Smith said. “My speed and strength play into a big part on how I can get around tackles and how they can’t just push me out if I’m speed-rushing the [opposing]quarterback on defense.”

Smith will be a Mid-American Conference candidate for player of the year player which his head coach Rod Carey is advocate for him to win.

With three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries for touchdowns, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, there is no reason why the sophomore should not win the MAC player of the year and possibly be an All-American.

NIU will return to action in December as they are still waiting on the bowl game to be released.