Southern Illinois is known for its star-studded backfield which features Auburn-transfer Brandon Jacobs.

The person who will be counted on most to clog up the SIU backfield is NIU strong safety Ray Smith.

Smith is the tallest starting defensive back at 6-foot-1, but, just like the other DB starters, he is under 200 pounds. Smith and company will have to stop the 6-foot-4, 257-pound Jacobs, who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

“We’re going to try and tackle him down low,” NIU defensive coordinator Denny Doornbos said.

Smith comes off NIU’s loss to Maryland where he led the team with 17 tackles, 13 solos and two caused fumbles. He received special mention MAC Player of the Week for his effort.

“He’s a big, ole’ dude,“ Smith said of Jacobs. “We just got to make sure we get him and get him down quick. I think we’ll do a real nice job of slowing them down. If we contain their running game I know we’ll be very successful.”