While he’s received numerous awards, winning the MAC Vern Smith Award might be Chandler Harnish’s most prestigious individual honor in his college career.

Harnish was named MAC Player of the Year Tuesday, and the four-year starter is only the second quarterback in Huskie history to win the award next to Tim Tyrell.

“I’m just proud of representing the university and keeping that streak alive of NIU players winning the award,” Harnish said.

Last year’s race for the MAC Vern Smith Award essentially came down to two players: Harnish and former NIU running back Chad Spann.

Eventually, the race came to a finish, as Spann took home the award. However, it wouldn’t have been a stretch to say Harnish was just as deserving.

While Spann playfully rubbed the fact he won the award over his teammate and friend, Harnish had an answer, and it might been the truth or simply a joke between two teammates.

“I said, ‘Hey, don’t worry about it; I’ll win it next year,” Harnish said.

Harnish was also was named the MAC’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-MAC honors.

In his final season as a Huskie, the redshirt senior has helped guide his team to a second-straight MAC Championship, all while garnering numerous awards and accolades this season.

When Harnish arrived at Huskie Stadium Tuesday, he was shocked by the news of his award from his head coach, Dave Doeren.

“Coach Doeren came up to me and said, ‘Hey, man, Vern Smith Award Winner, good job. Congratulations’,” Harnish said. “I was kind of taken back from it; surprised, shocked. I was pretty happy.”

The Bluffton, Ind. native has put together a rather impressive final season as a Huskie. He’s guided NIU to a 9-3 record overall and 7-1 in MAC play.

“There’s a reason and a way for winning football games. And if you put in the extra time, good things happen,” Harnish said.

Harnish has a completion percentage of 63 on 203-for-322 passing attempts.

NIU’s signal caller has thrown for 2,692 yards and 23 touchdown passes.

The potential for more awards and to make more NIU history isn’t over just yet for Harnish. If the signal caller rushes for 45 more yards, he’ll become only the third quarterback in FBS history to rush for 3,00 yards and pass for 8,000.

Yet for all the success that has come Harnish’s way, he didn’t hesitate to credit his teammates, both past and present.

“I’ve been surrounded by many great people, coaches and teammates that have allowed me the opportunity to do what I’ve done,” Harnish said.