NIU wide receiver Sam Hurd is third on the team this season with 22 receptions. His most productive game came against Bowling Green in the MAC opener, when he caught seven passes for 79 yards.

The junior burst on the scene two seasons ago as a true freshman when he had 161 receiving yards against nationally ranked Wisconsin. The San Antonio, Texas, native talked with the Northern Star after practice Tuesday about the fast-paced North, resemblances to birds and his injured right thumb.

NS: Has the team recovered from the loss against Toledo?

SH: Yeah, we’ve recovered. It hurt. We were supposed to beat Toledo and now their record lives on against us. But we’ve picked ourselves back up. We’re ready to beat Eastern Michigan. We know they’re a good team so we’re not gonna put anything past them, but we’re ready to play.

NS: Was it the toughest loss you’ve had since you’ve been here?

SH: Through the years I’ve heard about how we gotta beat Toledo, we gotta beat Toledo. I’m like, we can’t really beat them. So now, it’s the worst loss ever. Just to lose is terrible, but to lose to Toledo, that sucks.

NS: You’re the only player on the team from Texas. How is life different up here in the North?

SH: It is waaaaay too cold. Way too cold. I ain’t never had to use a heater in Texas before. The lifestyle is different too. I’m used to being laid back, but everything’s on the go up here.

NS: You’re certainly one of the most talkative and outspoken guys on the team. Have you always been that way, even as a freshman?

SH: I came in speaking. I’m gonna speak my mind, and I’m gonna let everybody know. I want to be a vocal leader and a leader on the field to show that I can do both – I can lead by example and lead in spirit and have my team ready for the game.

NS: Where does the nickname ‘Birdman’ come from?

SH: My grandma named me that when I was a kid; she said I looked like a bird. When I got up here, I didn’t say nothing about it. Shatone [Powers, junior wide receiver] just called me bird because he said I run like a bird. Everyone just put the ‘man’ on the end so it’s ‘Birdman’ now.

NS: How’s the thumb?

SH: My thumb is better. It’s still dislocated and there’s a chip off my bone, but I can play with this cast I got.