It started as a way to pay tribute to their offensive linemen.

But little did Josh Snyder know that it would become an annual tradition.

Ten years later, the Northwestern head coach continues the practice — and it has become a hit among the guys in the trenches, as well as the rest of the program.

Last Friday against Jim Thorpe, seniors Jared Meck and Jackson Huber both took handoffs and ended up in the end zone for touchdowns.

What makes the scenario anything but ordinary is the fact that Meck and Huber are used to creating holes for the team’s running backs instead of being the ones carrying the ball.

That’s because both are starting offensive lineman for the undefeated Tigers.

“I believe it was my third year on staff,” said Snyder about the start of having senior linemen get a chance to run the ball. “I can’t remember exactly what happened, but I think it was (assistant coach Dave Kerschner) and I, or Kersch saying, ‘What do you think of getting one of these guys a carry?’

“Our whole thought process is the skill guys get most of the limelight and they get their names in the paper, and the linemen do all the dirty work. So why don’t we highlight a senior or two that does a lot of that dirty work that’s deserving of a carry or two, or maybe even a touchdown.”

George Haddad, who is now an assistant for Snyder, was the first to get the honor to carry the ball in 2014.

In the team’s final regular season game, Haddad ran in a two-point conversion near the end of the first half.

“I remember we did it against Catasauqua that first year,” said Snyder. “It was at their field. That was to clinch the Colonial League championship, and I remember George running off the field jumping up, giving me a big chest bump there ... After that night it was like, ‘Maybe we need to do that some more, and maybe do it next year.’ The next year we had a couple more seniors do it.”

And so the tradition was born.

Last year, all-state lineman Ben Walters got the call and scored on a 10-yard run. The year before that, Cam Shields ran for a 5-yard gain.

As simple as the gesture is, it means the world to those who get the opportunity to run the ball — and to those who witness it.

“Believe it or not, all the skill kids and everybody really loves it and enjoys it,” said Snyder. “We practice it a little bit, not a whole lot. It’s basic stuff what we’re trying to do there, but the point is giving back a little bit to the guys that usually clear the way. And they’re like a kid on Christmas when they get the ball in their hands. It’s really turned into something special.

“The feedback, I’ve got to say, has been great ... Jackson Huber’s dad reached out and was just so excited for the opportunity for Jackson to be able to carry the ball. It means a lot, you wouldn’t think it does, but ultimately it just shows that the program cares a little bit more about highlighting some different things, and giving a shout out to kids that deserve it.”

Unlike other seasons, this year has caused somewhat of a dilemma because there are a number of starting linemen who are seniors, and deciding who gets the chance to line up in the backfield has become somewhat of a sensitive issue.

“Believe it or not, it’s something that’s sort of delicate because we have four different seniors, actually five, ready to carry the ball,” said Snyder. “We just sort of went with the first group that came to mind. This particular year we just had different personnel groups that we colored them black and gold, and we just went with the black group.

“Typically, there’s only one or two senior linemen, but this year there’s a lot more deserving. If it presents itself somewhere down the road here, we won’t be afraid to do it again.”

If they do it again, they’ll be well prepared. While the team doesn’t set aside tons of time at practice to work on those plays, they do give it it’s due diligence.

“We usually do a lot of our game-planning and film watching over the weekend, and it’s Monday or Tuesday until we roll out the game-plan to the kids, so every year we seem to do it a little bit different, but this year we just went with an I-formation and we had a fullback and a tailback or linemen in there.

“When we get in there, first it’s pretty serious. We have to get a different personnel group in there because if you take two linemen out of the line, you have to bring two in and shuffle in some different personnel, and bring some skill kids off the field. The kids are pretty serious when you’re doing that, but when you’re comfortable with what you’re doing, it gets to be a little bit fun at practice to see those guys run the ball up in there. They can get a little carried away, but we want them to have a good time with it and enjoy it.”

That sentiment holds true for Snyder and his team — no matter what record they sport.

While it’s true Northwestern has enjoyed plenty of success over the years and the goal is still to win, there are things even more important.

“Everybody’s so serious about football all the time and for me, for us, we just have to have a little bit of fun, whether that’s putting some trick plays in or getting some other people the ball, whatever,” said Snyder. “You get caught up so much in the wins and losses. I love just having fun.

“I think it’s cool. It’s special, and I can’t believe it’s 10 years now.”