Michael Turner who? NIU has a new back who will soon be running onto the national scene.

NIU was supposed to be in shambles after Thomas Hammock went down with a heart ailment in September 2002.

Now, with the graduation of Michael Turner to the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, some are thinking the Huskies’ ground game will never recover.

A.J. Harris will not let the growing tradition of great running backs at NIU stop now.

As a matter of fact, Harris will rival and possibly exceed the numbers Turner put up, which topped out at 4,941 career rushing yards – 13th in NCAA history.

High expectations and a lofty goal? Yes, but it’s happened before and it will happen again … barring injury.

The 6-foot-1, 219-pound Harris has two years left and the explosiveness to put up some flashy numbers.

But the factors that make Harris a great candidate to burn down Turner’s marks are several near 300-pound individuals that will anchor the MAC’s best offensive line.

The Huskies lost only one starter to an offensive line that matured into a top-notch unit at the end of last season.

Add that to the fact that senior Ben Lueck has emerged as a potential starter at the left guard spot and the return of two star O-lineman who took time off, and you have the makings of a running back’s wet dream.

Several run-ins with the law sidelined Matt McGhghy, who started 11 games in 2002.

“McGhghy looks excellent,” NIU assistant coach DeAndre Smith said. “He looks the best I’ve ever seen since I’ve been here. He knows this is his last go-around. He’s been back home working and staying in shape [in his time away from NIU].”

Another returnee to the O-line is 6-foot-7, 315-pound Mark Orszula, who last played in 2001.

Orszula was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after he had his leg trapped under a forklift in the summer of 2002 with six surgeries to repair the damage.

“Orszula looks good moving around and hasn’t shown any negative signs from his injury,” Smith said. “We’ll rotate, and I assume we’ll play more than five guys [on the offensive line].”

Anchored by returning All-MAC right tackle 6-foot-7, 311-pound Jake VerStraete, “The Hogs” up front look good blocking for anyone – especially someone of Harris’ capabilities.

“What A.J. has shown is the ability to make big plays,” Smith said. “Over his career he has been consistent, although in limited carries. He has big-play ability and all the tools, but we just have to wait and see.”