41   Pat McAvoy
	Class: RS Senior Hometown: Cary, IL High School: St. Viator Height / Weight: 6-1 / 236 Position: FB Experience: 4Sq

2011: Played in all 14 games during the year as a fullback and on the kickoff return and PAT field goal units... Started at fullback at Buffalo (10-22) for his only career start... Caught a 12-yard pass to convert on a fourth-and-two at the Bulls' 32-yard line to set up NIU's first touchdown of the game... Hauled in a four-yard pass from Ryan Neir on a fake field goal against Arkansas State (1-8), leading to the Huskies' first touchdown of the game... Returned three short kickoffs for 10 yards at Toledo (11-1) after helping set up Tommylee Lewis' two kickoff return touchdowns on the first two returns of the game... Provided key blocks on those plays... Recovered a muffed punt at Bowling Green (11-8)... Took down dangerous Ohio punt returner LaVon Brazill for no gain in the MAC Championship game versus Ohio (12-2).

2010: Spent most of the season as NIU's third-team fullback. Got into the Central Michigan (10-23) and Toledo (11-9) games at Huskie Stadium.

2009: Saw action in four games at fullback. Used as a blocker against Western Illinois (9-12), Idaho (9-26), Western Michigan (10-3), and Eastern Michigan (11-5).

2008: Did not appear in any games.

2007: Redshirted.

High School: Named first team all-state as a senior after earining all-area and all-conference honors. Achieved all-area and all-conference accolades as a junior. Recognized as the Chicago Sun-Times and the Daily Herald Player of the Week. As a tailback, totaled 3,309 yards in his varsity career. Gained 1,435 yards on 153 carries for a 9.4 average as a senior. Scored 17 touchdowns that year. Rushed for 1,327 yards on 149 tries (an 8.9 average) with 16 touchdowns during his junior season. As a strong safety, recorded 43 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception as a senior. During his junior year, recorded 34 stops with three forced fumbles and one interception. Helped the Lions to an 8-1 record and ESCC title as a senior. Team finished 8-1 to place second in the league during his sophomore year. Also played baseball and hockey. On the ice, earned all-conference honors after both his junior and senior years. As a catcher and centerfielder for the Lions' baseball team, was a two-time all-area and all-conference honoree, and earned the ESCC Most Valuable Player Award after his senior season.

Personal: Born May 1, 1989 in DeKalb. Son of Betsy and Patrick McAvoy. Father played linebacker for the Huskies from 1981-83 and in 1985. Mother played volleyball for NIU from 1986-89. Cousin Tim McAvoy played football at Michigan, and uncle Tim McAvoy played football at Illinois. Earned an undergraduate degree in marketing in Spring 2011 with a cumulative GPA of 3.17.