They call him “Tree.” And in this second of three articles on the NIU QBs, Scott Crabtree will delight and thrill.

He is from Louisville, Ky. He is from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College. He is from the land where football is life. And he is good.

“I’ve been gifted,” said Tree.

He was the Offensive MVP of the NJCAA National Championship Game with 223 yards passing and 3 TDs. His stats from 1991: 115 of 208 for 1,931 yards; 21 TDs (five rushing); seven interceptions.

But Tree is wary about this season.

“This team is scared of doing things out of the ordinary,” Tree admitted. “They are scared of working hard to win. Down in Oklahoma, we’d practice three times a day in 100-degree heat. We worked hard to win.

“When I signed here, they told me I would start. Now, I’m surprised I will be playing. I haven’t practiced in two weeks and coach (Charlie) Sadler is sending me in the second quarter (this Saturday). I don’t know the offense, but I am a very good athlete. I am quick and can make things happen.”

He and Rob Rugai were set to duel for the starting QB job but that hasn’t affected their relationship.

“He’s (Rugai) a good guy,” Tree said, “he’s very smart and has a great deal of mental ability. He explains to me the offense and tells me what to do.”

He also has nice things to say about his backup, Ron Reichert.

“He is a man who has the ability to do whatever he wants with his arm. But, I don’t think he is mentally into the game because he doesn’t practice much.”

On this season: “I think if we beat Illinois, there’s no telling how good this team can be. We can beat anyone we want. We just need more confidence.”

On the future: “It scares me, because at this level, the pressure is so demanding.”

Given the opportunity, Tree will light up the field, his players and the fans.