Some might find NIU senior linebacker Brian Atkinson a bit of a paradox.

Football coach Joe Novak called the senior captain a quiet, less-vocal leader; but at the same time, Atkinson’s nickname is “The Beast.”

Atkinson provided clarity to the confusion.

“As far as off the field, I’m not as vocal,” the Chicago native said. “But in the game, that’s when all the vocal stuff comes out.”

Atkinson moved into a leadership role earlier than expected last season when linebacker and captain Nick Duffy suffered a season-ending fibula injury with six games remaining in the season.

It was then that Atkinson decided he had to step in and lead – but in his own way.

“He’s got a quiet confidence, toughness and focus,” Novak said. “He’s not the most vocal guy, but if you look at him, he’s working hard and doing the right things.”

The quiet confidence of “The Beast” carries over to how he reacts to teammates.

Freshman defensive tackle Adam Schroeder remembered Atkinson’s reaction after Schroeder was called for a false start.

“I got mad at myself,” Schroeder said, “but I just kind of laughed because I knew it was stupid.”

Atkinson didn’t yell or get mad – he just slapped Schroeder on the back and told him to focus on the next play.

“I remember when I did it sophomore year,” Atkinson said. “The captains kept me encouraged and just told me to keep my cool. It’s good to have those guys there to tell you that.”

Though Atkinson gives his share of encouragement, most of the time he leads by example, said Schroeder.

“He’s a great leader,” Schroeder said. “He knows when to have fun and when to be serious. He’s a leader by the way he plays and what he says. That’s what a leader should be.”