Being listed at six-foot-two and 216 pounds doesn’t equate to being undersized for most people.

Those dimensions typical don’t add up to a collegiate defensive end, but for NIU pass rusher Darnell Bolding his size isn’t going to stop him from getting to opposing quarterbacks.

“He has a motor outside of this world,” Huskies’ starting right tackle Keith Otis said, who often goes against Bolding in practice. “He goes all-day long, so that alone provides a problem as far as matching his intensity and quickness.”

Clashing at the line of scrimmage against offensive tackles that often have at least 100 pounds on Bolding isn’t an easy assignment. To make up for the size difference, the redshirt senior boosts his acceleration in an attempt to cruise past significantly larger players he goes against.

Otis said since NIU’s offense runs a lot of quick release passes, going against the high-speed Bolding helps the Huskies work on their cut blocking.

“It definitely helps going against a player like him,” Otis said.

When Bolding landed at NIU in 2008, he was recruited to play linebacker. The departure of Larry English, one of the Huskies’ most dominate pass rushers, forced a change of plans for Bolding. 

“I was switched [to defensive end] because they needed for pass rushers after Larry English left,” Bolding said.

Last season was Bolding’s first year of playing for NIU after not making an appearance during the 2008 campaign.

The undersized end played in all 13 games, registering 15 tackles and two quarterback take downs.

“He plays with good pad level,” NIU defensive line coach Jeff Phelps said. “And I think that’s where it all starts.”

This season, Bolding is part of the Huskies’ rotation at defensive end, primarily as backup to starters Jake Coffman and Sean Progar. Through eight games, Bolding has recorded 10 total tackles with a sack.

Although he isn’t a starter up front, he’s found a niche on special teams. The Washington, D.C. native is a member of the NIU punt block team.

“Special teams is an important part of the game,” Bolding said. “And it’s also a lot of fun just to go out and hit somebody.”