NIU athletics: English highlights 2019 hall of fame class

Larry English, Football, 2004-08 A two-time Mid-American Conference Most Valuable Player and the highest NFL Draft choice in NIU football history, Larry English was one of the most imposing defensive players in the history of Huskie football. A native of Aurora, English still holds the NIU records for career sacks (31.5) and tackles for loss (63). English concluded his spectacular Huskie career with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss as a senior in 2008 while collecting the Vern Smith Leadership Award for the second consecutive season, becoming the first defensive player to win the award twice. English was named an All-American by Phil Steele and Pro Football Weekly and became just the fifth player in NIU history to participate in the Senior Bowl. Following the conclusion of his remarkable NIU career, English was selected 16th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2009 NFL Draft. He went on to play five seasons in San Diego (2009-13) and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014), recording 103 tackles and 12 sacks in 64 career games.