Agony and ecstasy.

P.J. Fleck experienced both of these this weekend after he was cut by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but signed to the 49ers’ eight-man practice squad on Monday.

“I’m here now,” said the former NIU wide receiver. “This is great.”

Fleck had to clear waivers before being signed to the practice squad. He can be signed by any team during the season as long as that team puts Fleck on its active roster.

The 49ers can activate Fleck at any time, but would have to demote someone to the practice squad.

The Kaneland native faced a myriad of obstacles on his way to signing. He was dubbed Harry Potter by an opponent and mistaken for a member of a youth group by a teammate.

Through it all, Fleck never felt that he was out of his element.

“Deep down inside I knew I could play in this league,” Fleck said. “I came here as the 14th receiver, but somehow, some way, I kept on fighting and next thing you know I’m 7th. Hopefully I can stay for a while.”

Fleck is one of two Huskies from the 2003 squad to make the NFL. Michael Turner, NIU’s all-time leading rusher, will wear No. 33 for the San Diego Chargers and is listed as their third tailback. Fleck and Turner got a chance to catch up Friday when the Chargers and 49ers faced off.

Turner rushed for 116 yards and scored his first pro touchdown.

“We were talking before the game and he was telling me how he needed a big game,” Fleck said. “I told him I’d go back to my sideline and tell my guys to take it easy on him.”