Call NIU running back A.J. Harris what you wish, just don’t call him “The Afterburner.”

“That’s the worst nickname ever,” the 6-foot sophomore joked.

Harris is used to playing in the shadows of All-American running back Michael “The Burner” Turner, but he said he doesn’t mind at all.

“Being behind Mike was probably better for me because I had someone to look up to,” Harris said. “Still, I don’t look at it as trying to match what Mike did.”

Harris played behind Turner in 2003 as fullback; he rushed for 272 yards. He is considered by some to be a front-runner in a group of NIU running backs that running backs coach DeAndre Smith called the best he’s ever coached.

“We’re not trying to replace a Mike Turner,” Smith said. “We’re just looking for a first-team All-MAC back. A.J. does have a lot of talent and hasn’t gotten to show it because of Mike.”

Harris’ advantage over his peers will be his experience, Smith said. The Wheaton native has seen big-game playing time that other NIU running backs have not. His playing time also gives him an edge on confidence, Smith said.

“From a confidence standpoint, he’s done it,” Smith said. “We feel comfortable because he’s played; because it’s a different ball game when you’re out there against an Alabama.”