MAC Freshman of the Year Jay Ducker enters the transfer portal

Mid-American Conference freshman of the year Jay Ducker has entered the transfer portal, the NIU running back announced Tuesday on Twitter.

After missing the 2020 season because of an injury, Ducker ran for 1,184 yards this year, helping the Huskies to a 9-5 record and a MAC title. He ran for more yards than any other freshman in school history. He rushed for 146 in the MAC title game against Kent State, and then duplicated the performance against Coastal Carolina in the Cure Bowl last week.

Ducker was a backup through the first six games of the season, rushing 24 times for 85 yards. Once he took over in the young NIU backfield, he amassed multiple 100-yard games, including a 210-yard game against Bowling Green.

The Huskies still have depth in the running back room even with the loss of Ducker and senior Clint Ratkovich. Harrison Waylee played only five games this year after leading the team in rushing last year. He ran for 574 yards before he was injured.

Antario Brown, like Waylee a freshman, rushed for 433 yards, and freshman Mason Blakemore saw limited action.

In the Huskies’ early recruiting class announced last week, the team brought on board no running backs.