Apparently there are a few unlisted coaches on the NIU football staff.

They happen to be players running backs Chad Spann and Ricky Crider. Their prime pupil: Cameron Bell.

“Those kids have a tremendous relationship,” NIU head coach Jerry Kill said. “Not one of them complains about anything. They enjoy each other and they help each other. When one of them has success, they all get excited.”

During the Huskies’ 33-7 victory over Central Michigan, Bell got the chance to apply what he learned on the field. Let’s just say Bell passed with flying colors.

After NIU’s fifth-straight victory, the latest forecast shows that there could be a perfect storm brewing in the Huskies’ backfield.

The redshirt junior successfully spelled Spann, helping NIU run for 162 yard in the third quarter.

“Just getting an opportunity to go out there is the best thing in the world,” Bell said.

On his second carry of the game, Bell thundered his way for 30 yards. Two plays later, Spann conducted some lightning with a 13-yard touchdown run.

On the Huskies’ ensuing possession, Bell steamed his way to the left side for a 21-yard gallop. Once again, Spann put on the finishing touches with a 12-yard score.

Spann illustrated the success in a sweet way.

“He comes in and runs somebody over for 30 yards,” Spann said. “And then I get to come in and finish it off with a little ice cream. It’s always fun being able to switch it up like that and see other guys be successful because it makes you want to work hard.”

Bell had not played in NIU’s previous two games. In fact, he has had limited play this season with just 80 yards on 12 carries.

So when Kill called upon his downhill runner, he knew he needed to take advantage of the playing time.

“Coach Kill was one of the first people to really just take a shot and take a chance on me,” Bell said. “You don’t want to let someone like that down when they give you an opportunity.”

NIU ended up with an eye-popping 296 rushing yards, 82 yards via Bell.

The Round Rock, Texas native isn’t concerned about individual success though.

“For me, it’s really not about me,” Bell said. “It’s about our team.”