“It’s in the bag.”

That’s what NIU tailback Justin Anderson said about securing a 10th-consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season for the Huskies.

Anderson’s 1,245 rushing yards last season kept the NIU rushing streak alive. Every year since 1998, a Huskie running back has run for more than 1,000 yards in a season.

“Bag that one up,” Anderson said. “If it’s not me, if I get hurt, the next man alive will get the job done.”

Anderson’s optimism will provide hope for NIU fans feeling anxious about new head coach Jerry Kill’s football program. The junior said Kill teaches competitiveness, and will give the running backs many chances to grab their yards.

“He teaches us to compete at all costs,” Anderson said. “This is a tradition and we take pride upon that. We just have to put ourselves in the best position possible to be successful on the field.”

Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said he is optimistic about keeping the rushing tradition alive. However, the task may be harder to achieve, as Kill’s offense features more than one tailback.

“I certainly hope we can see a 10th season,” Limegrover said. “The only thing that will get us away from doing that is if we have three or four guys doing a great job. We’d rather have three good players get 15 carries, than one get 45.”

Running backs coach Rob Reeves said the team’s focus does not rest on individual records, but on winning.

“We are going to take what the defense will give us,” Reeves said. “We have a physical run mentality, but if the defense is going to put everyone in the box to stop the run, we better be able to throw the ball.”

But even if defenses load the box, Anderson is hopeful NIU’s offensive line can open holes for the running backs. He feels the offensive line is looking more ready than ever.

“You can see it in them. They have the mentality to get us in position,” Anderson said. “They are a unit, and I appreciate them, I tell them that every day.”

With faith in his line, and in his legs, Anderson is ready to guarantee a 10th-straight 1,000-yard rushing season.

“We all know how to run,” Anderson said. “That’s why we’re here.”