NIU head coach Jerry Kill has used one word to describe Tennessee – athletic. The Volunteers have speed and athleticism all over the place.

Maybe the most athletic player on the talented Tennessee team is running back Arian Foster. Foster has 2,668-yards in his career and needs just 410 more yards to become the school’s career rushing leader.

Keep in mind, this is a school that has featured backs such as Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and James Stewart.

So far on the season, Foster has ran 47 times for 274-yards, an average of 5.6-yards per carry against tough opponents in Auburn, Florida and UCLA.

“They probably have three tailbacks that are all NFL tailbacks,” Kill said. “Tennessee is Tennessee. We haven’t seen anything like the backs that they have, not even close.”

Foster was a second team All-SEC selection in 2007 and a preseason first team All-SEC selection.

Last season Foster ran for 1,193-yards, becoming just the 13th Volunteer back to run for 1,000-yards.

So far on the season, the NIU rushing defense ranks first in the MAC in rushing yards allowed with 475. Last week at Eastern Michigan, the Huskies held the Eagles to 119-yards on 33 attempts and held Indiana State to just 31-yards the week before.

“We’re going to have to play very aggressive, were going to have to tackle very well,” Kill said. “(Foster) is a strong, fast back.”

It’s safe to say that going up against Foster down in Knoxville Saturday will be the Huskies toughest test yet.