When it comes to making history, NIU senior defensive end Larry English makes it look easy.

Two weeks after becoming NIU’s all-time leader in career sacks, the senior won his second-straight Vern Smith Leadership Award, given to the MAC’s most valuable player. English was also named the MAC defensive player of the year, Wednesday.

“I was shocked and honored,” English said. “It’s something that means a lot to me, to know that I’m regarded so highly by our opponents and coaches in the MAC. A lot of this I dedicate to the players I played with this year and the coaching staff, because without them, none of this could have been possible.”

English became the first defensive player to win the award back-to-back, the fourth overall player to win consecutively and was also the third-straight Huskie to be named MVP (Garrett Wolfe in 2006).

“It’s something that means a lot to me and the history of our program,” the senior said. “I think that it will help the Huskies and their legacy.”

The award was more impressive as the senior played most of the 2008 season with a cast on his right hand. English broke his thumb during the first game of the season against Minnesota and had surgery to place pins in the broken thumb.

“My thumb doesn’t bother me at all,” English said. “The biggest thing during the season was the pins [in the thumb] and keeping them covered up. In terms of moving around, I was 100 percent. But when it came to certain pass rushes and sticking my hands in there, it did limit me some.”

The defensive end led all defensive players in the country with 31.5 sacks during his active playing career. He also led a Huskie defense which finished the season ranked in the top 20 in the country in many defensive categories, including 20th in total defense.

Individually, English had eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles during his senior campaign.

“Defensively, we did some really special things this year,” English said. “From being ranked nationally to being ranked at the top of the MAC, we made a drastic improvement from last year. I’m just really proud of that, what we accomplished together.”

While English leaves a large legacy behind him at NIU, the senior has the NFL draft to look forward to.

“[The MVP award] can’t hurt me,” English said. “If it helps, I’ll take it. I’ve been able to focus on the now during my career so far to later accomplish larger goals.”