Middle linebacker-turned-running back Cameron Stingily put together an impressive campaign in his first season as the starting tailback, earning him Sports’ No. 3 Athlete of the year.

“It means a lot because, literally, last year I wasn’t even recognized as a player on the football team,” Stingily said. “So, to be named No. 3 … means a lot.”

Stingily won the starting job going into week one vs. Iowa and never gave it back.

He carried the ball 203 times for 1,119 yards, putting him second on the team behind quarterback Jordan Lynch and seventh in the MAC. Stingily and Lynch became the first duo in NIU history to each eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Stingily also found the end zone nine times.

“Honestly, I didn’t even put a number on the yards,” Stingily said. “I was just trying to get on the field, and when I get on the field I didn’t want to give them a reason to take me off the field.”

The Romeoville native established himself as a force in the MAC when he put together a career day on the ground Oct. 5 against Kent State. Stingily carried the ball 37 times for 266 rushing yards while finding his way into the end zone two times.