Northern Illinois University Athletics

2021
• Led NIU in touchdowns with 15 and ranked fifth in the MAC in TDs. 
• One of the MVPs of the 2021 NIU MAC Championship team as a rusher, receiver, blocker, special teams contributer (returns & tackles) and third and fourth down specialist.
• Received third team All-MAC honors from Phil Steele and was honorable mention All-MAC by Pro Football Network. 
• Scored at least one rushing touchdown in each of NIU’s last seven games and reached the endzone in 11 of the Huskies’ 14 games.
• Totaled 622 all-purpose yards, including 37 on kickoff returns, completed a pass for three yards (vs. Central Michigan) and made two solo tackles in addition to his 124 receiving and 461 rushing yards.  
• Rushed for career-long 96-yard touchdown against Western Michigan (Nov. 23), the second longest run in school history and longest since 1934.
• The 96-yard score tied for fifth-longest in FBS in 2022.
• Scored a 25-yard rushing TD on the first play of overtime to win the Buffalo (11-17) game, one of two scores on the day. 
• Gained 75 yards on 11 carries against the Bulls for his second highest rushing total of the season. 
• Scored the game-winning touchdown on a three-yard reception from Rocky Lombardi at Georgia Tech (9-4) with 38 seconds to play. 
• Finished the game with three receptions for 13 yards, while adding seven carries for 13 yards rushing.
• Rushed for 12 yards and a TD on four carries, and added a season-high 29 yards receiving on five catches, versus Ball State (11-10). 
• Three of his nine carries versus Bowling Green (10-16) went for first downs, two on third down and one on fourth down. 
• Recorded 63 yards and a season-high three rushing TDs on six carries against Wyoming (9-11). 
• Set up his first score against the Cowboys with a 52-yard run in the second quarter. 
• Rushed for 38 yards on seven carries and two receptions for 25 yards, including a receiving TD against Maine (9-25).
• Named a team captain despite not joining the team until January. 

At Western Illinois
• Two-time first team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference (2018 & 2019).
• Served as team captain in 2018 and 2019.
• Earned first team all-MVFC honors in 2018 and 2019.
• Named to the 2017 MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
• Amassed 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving on 128 receptions in 35 games played.
• Rushed for 429 yards and three scores on 97 carries from 2017-19.
• Returned 11 kicks for 233 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2017.
• Named to the MVFC Academic Honor Roll in 2019 and 2017.

High School
• Earned all-state honors.
• Two-time all-area and all-conference selection.
• Recorded 1,800 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns as a senior.
• Team finished as the state runner-up in 2015.
• Played for coach John Konecki
 
Personal
• Born on September 16 in Crete, Ill.
• Son of Roberta and George Ratkovich.
• Graduated from Western Illinois with a BS in engineering technology.
• Pursuing his MBA at NIU.