Big Ten linebacker or mid-major running back?

Freshman Casamiro “Cas” Prime turned away Wisconsin recruiters for NIU because he was a running back, and a running back he wanted to stay.

“Wisconsin wanted me to play outside linebacker,” Prime said. “It was my decision, and I didn’t want to change positions.”

The Janesville, Wis., native is the tallest returning back for the Huskies, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s ready, NIU running backs coach DeAndre Smith said.

However, this will be the first spring that Smith has a chance to work with the 2003 Wisconsin Player of the Year.

“He’s a big back and that’s what we like,” Smith said. “He just needs more reps.”

As for his ability to catch the ball, the Huskies will be able to add dimensions to their passing game if Prime is in the backfield, Smith said.

The knock on [Michael] Turner heading into the NFL Draft is that he can’t catch the ball well, while Prime may have the opportunity to split out wide in NIU’s offense, Smith said.

With the competition to replace Turner heating up, Prime said he’s not ready to step down.

“I’ve never played behind anybody,” Prime said. “I don’t see any reason to start now.”

Coach Joe Novak comments: Big, strong, still learning. Being a freshman, he’s behind the others in the learning process. There’s a lot of upside there.