2010: A member of several NIU special teams units, saw action in 11 games, including each of the last 10 games of the season. Got into several games as a back-up at safety. Totaled six tackles on the season with one-half tackle for loss. Made three tackles, and recorded his only two solo stops of the season, versus Buffalo (10-16). Named the Huskies' Special Teams Player of the Week for his work in the Buffalo game. Also recorded a half-tackle for loss of six yards in that game. Credited with assisted tackles in the Ball State (11-20), Eastern Michigan (11-26) and Miami (Ohio) MAC Championship game (12-3). Made his first appearance of the season in the Illinois (9-18) game and next played at Akron (10-2).
2009:Saw action in seven games primarily as a safety and on special teams. Totaled two tackles, both solo stops, against Eastern Michigan (11-5). Returned a punt for 13 yards against Ohio (11-21). Also appeared in games against Western Michigan (10-3), Miami (10-24), Akron (10-31), Ball State (11-12), and Central Michigan (11-27).
2008:Redshirted.
High School: Green Bay Press-Gazette's first team all-conference and all-area honorable mention quarterback. Led Ashwaubenon to the second round of the Wisconsin Class 2 state playoffs as a senior. Named Fox River Classic Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 after passing for more than 1,500 yards and rushing for over 800. Jaguars posted a 9-2 record during his senior season. Also wrestled at Ashwaubenon for his father, Jody Van Laanen, Sr. Won the state wrestling title as a junior, placed fifth in his sophomore season, and wrestled his way to a sixth-place finish in state as a freshman.
Personal: Born Sept. 30, 1989 in Fond Du Lac, Wis. Son of Virginia and Jody Van Laanen. Huskie Scholar holds a 3.176 GPA. Enjoys fishing and hunting. Admires Brett Favre. Undecided major.
VAN LAANEN'S CAREER STATISTICS
VAN LAANEN'S CAREER GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 2, vs. Eastern Michiagn, 11-5-09
