Coming off a junior season in which he became just the second defender to win MAC Player of the Year, Larry English plans on topping that this season.

Aside from overcoming defenses, he is also overcoming an arm injury that sidelined him for spring practice.

The MAC leader in sacks took time out of his schedule to talk with the Northern Star about fame, Hollywood and trash talking.

Northern Star: Who makes your top five NIU athletes of the past year?

Larry English: In no order, I’d probably have myself, Justin Anderson, Jake Anderson, Brian Livingston and Jeff Thomas.

NS: Do you ever get recognized around campus?

LE: It happens once in a while. It’s real flattering and it’s important to be appreciative of the fans. Especially with the support they show.

NS: Which professional athletes are you a fan of?

LE: Mostly football players. I pick people that play the same position as me and try and study them. My favorites are people like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

NS: What do you like about those guys?

LE: The main reason I like them is because they are undersized defensive ends and they’ve had to overcome size.

NS: What is your favorite football movie?

LE: I’d have to say “The Program.” I’ve probably seen it four times.

NS: Have you picked up any moves from the linebacker, Alvin Mack?

LE: (laughs) I can’t say I’ve tried to do that. Hollywood doesn’t really relate to football.

NS: You mean there isn’t all of that talking going on during the game?

LE: Some people do that, but I’m not one to. I’m too busy concentrating, but, at times, I do when the emotions start flying.

NS: What’s the strangest thing you’ve heard yelled on the field?

LE: (laughs) Keenan Blalark used to yell “I’m a grown man with kids.”

NS: I didn’t know Keenan had any kids.

LE: He didn’t. He was just trying to say he was a man playing with boys.