Eastern Michigan’s Anthony Sherrell is one of the toughest, most physical running backs in the MAC.

Just ask NIU middle linebacker Brian Atkinson.

“He earns every yard he gets,” Atkinson said. “He runs like it’s his last carry.”

The 5-foot-9 Sherrell was grateful when told of Atkinson’s comments.

“I really appreciate him saying that,” Sherrell said. “I work as hard as possible to get every yard I can.”

In his first season as a starter, Sherrell worked his way to a school-record 1,531 yards in 2003, good for second in the MAC behind NIU’s Michael Turner. Sherrell set a school record by running for at least 100 yards in eight consecutive games.

Sherrell also displayed his abilities out of the backfield, catching a team-high 44 passes.

Former Eagles tailback Ime Akpan played a big role in Sherrell’s success last season, Sherrell said. Akpan ran for 1,282 yards in 2002 while Sherrell waited his turn.

“He was a great leader, and he taught me a lot of things I’ll never forget,” Sherrell said. “He was like a big brother to me and was always there for me.”

Sherrell hasn’t had the same production this season, as first-year head coach Jeff Genyk has employed a pass-heavy offense. After getting 338 carries last season, Sherrell has just 175 attempts for 759 yards this year with only Saturday’s game against NIU remaining.

“I’m getting the blocking,” Sherrell said. “I may not be getting the ball as much this year as I did last.”

Despite that, NIU coach Joe Novak knows first-hand how dangerous Sherrell can be. Sherrell ran for 170 yards last season against the Huskies.

“Good player,” said Novak when asked about Sherrell. “I’ve watched enough tape of him to know that.”