With a 188-yard rushing performance last Saturday in NIU’s 23-10 victory over the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi, you knew tailback LeShon Johnson would move up in the rankings.

The third-best rushing performance of the week in the NCAA was good enough to skyrocket him 10 spots from No. 20 last week to the Top 10 this week. Johnson increased his per-game average by more than 15 yards to 115.5.

“He’s excellent,” said Southern Mississippi head coach Jeff Bower. “He’s the best back I’ve seen. He’s fast and strong.”

The junior college transfer had the second-highest yardage output against Southern Miss next to Bo Jackson of Auburn, who tallied 205 yards in 1985.

Senior inside linebacker Tony Smith ranks high in the nation as well. He ranks No. 6 in the NCAA in tackles, while leading the Huskies with 85 stops.

“Not only is Tony doing a great job at linebacker for us, but he is doing a superb job on making our calls on defense,” said NIU head coach Charlie Sadler.