SLIPPERY ROCK — Switching from offense to defense or vice versa? No big deal.

Not at Slippery Rock University, at least.

The Rock football team moves at least two players to the other side of the ball every season. Such is the norm in coach George Mihalik’s 25 years at the helm.

But rarely, if ever, has SRU taken an offensive player and moved him to a completely different position on offense.

“I can’t think of one,” Mihalik said.

Until this year.

LaQuinn Stephens-Howling, a running back at The Rock as a freshman and sophomore, was switched to slot receiver this season. Through six games, he leads the team with 23 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

“When we switched to a spread offense, this seemed like a natural move for him,” Mihalik said. “LaQuinn is dangerous when he gets the ball in space.

“At running back, he could get to the corners, but you have to be able to run effectively between the tackles. LaQuinn’s body size wasn’t a good fit there.”

Stephens-Howling is 5-foot-7 and weighs 170 pounds.

He didn’t mind the move to slot receiver, either. For Stephens-Howling, it was a return home.

“I definitely feel more comfortable there,” he said. “I played that position most of my high school career.”

Stephens-Howling accumulated more than 1,000 all-purpose yards during his senior year at Greater Johnstown High School. He followed in the footsteps of older brother LaRod Stephens-Howling, who set the school record with 4,000 career rushing yards five years earlier.

LaRod went on to the University of Pittsburgh and is now in his fourth year with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. He led the NFL with 1,548 kickoff return yards — returning two for touchdowns — in 2010.

“Following him only made me want to work harder,” LaQuinn said. “I watched LaRod work hard for everything he’s gotten and I’m trying to do the same.”

The younger Stephens-Howling was hopeful of a Division I college scholarship as well, but one wasn’t in the offing.

He wound up at SRU. Another older brother, Mashour Howling, is a Rock graduate.

“LaRod and I are the same height, but he weighs more than I do,” LaQuinn said. “Once I visited Slippery Rock and saw the team chemistry that was here, it was where I wanted to go.

“That team chemistry is still here. If I had to do it all over again, I’d come here again. There’s no group of players, or college, I’d rather be playing for.”

Stephens-Howling has no problem sharing the wealth in a passing game that’s already seen 13 different players catch the football this season.

“I’m fine with it,” he said. “Kenny Amos, John Schademan ... those guys are every bit the player I am, if not better.”

“LaQuinn is tailor-made for the slot position,” Mihalik said. “He knows how to make people miss and he’s got the burst of speed and acceleration.

“We can get him the ball on swing passes, screens — just get it in his hands.”

Stephens-Howling was an efficient running back at SRU, rushing for 309 yards in a backup role as a freshman in 2010, including a 115-yard effort against Lock Haven. He ran for 213 yards and caught 14 passes for 144 yards in a reserve role last year.

Now, he’s a starter and impact player offensively. He had six catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns last week against Kutztown.

Still close to LaRod, LaQuinn works out with him each offseason. During the NFL lockout last year, the pair worked out together every day.

“We call each other before each one of our games and wish each other luck ... then call and congratulate each other on the accomplishments of that day,” LaQuinn said.

His accomplishments are growing every day.

“I’m not into the individual stuff. You can’t be that way,” he said. “This game is about winning. My eyes are still on the PSAC championship and the national championship. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Not the NFL?

“My brother got there,” Stephens-Howling said. “Me? I’m just trying to get better each day.”