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| Running back Me'co Brown (center) has withdrawn from Northern Illinois University. (Chronicle file photo) |
Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill announced Monday in a news release that junior running back Me'co Brown has withdrawn from school for personal reasons.
Brown did not make the trip with the team to this year's International Bowl because of a family issue but was back in school and with the team as of Jan. 12.
Brown gained 1,155 rushing yards on 258 carries while starting 14 games at tailback for the Huskies over the past two seasons. He ranked second on the 2009 team in rushing with 645 yards on 148 carries and four touchdowns.
Brown was injured for the final game of the 2009 season at Central Michigan and saw his production go down as the season progressed and injuries mounted. Brown only managed 30 yards on 21 carries in his final two games and averaged 1.8 yards a carry in his final five games. Brown would not have played in the International Bowl regardless of his personal situation because of shoulder and ankle injuries.
Brown's departure leaves 1,038-yard rusher Chad Spann as the clear No. 1 running back for the Huskies entering spring football with senior Ricky Crider, redshirt junior Cameron Bell, junior college transfer Jasmin Hopkins and redshirt freshman Antione Kirkland all battling for spots behind Spann.
