NIU running back Adrian Davis always wanted to follow in his father Wayne’s footsteps.

Davis began playing little league football in Louisiana when he was 7 years old. He wanted to be like his dad, who started at running back at Louisiana’s Nickels College.

He has been at NIU for three seasons and is fighting for a spot to be a feature back for the Huskies this fall. He and three other running backs look to be in close competition to replace NIU career rushing leader Michael Turner, but Davis’ speed separates him from the competition.

“Like they say, speed kills,” Davis said. “I’m a smaller back, so I take shorter strides, and I’m lower to the ground. When you’re a smaller back, you have to control the ball better and absorb hits. As long as they can’t catch you, though, you should be OK.”

Running backs coach DeAndre Smith likes the change of pace the 5-foot-5 Davis brings to the Huskies and said his small stature can be used to his advantage.

“I believe his size is an advantage because of the way he can use it with his quickness,” Smith said. “He can get through holes pretty quick, turn the corner and he’s hard to see.”

Davis’ expectations, like his height, can play in his favor.

“We’re all competing, especially in spring ball,” Davis said. “You kind of got the feeling that A.J. [Harris] will be the starter, but I expect to be part of that top-three rotation of running backs this season.”