DE Moore Jr. commits to NIU
Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood senior three star ranked defensive end recruit Ivan Moore Jr. (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) on Monday night and decided to wrap up his recruiting process and gave in-state Northern Illinois University his verbal commitment. Moore Jr. discusses his college decision and more in this recruiting update.
"NIU has just always felt like home to me," Moore Jr. said. "I have a great relationship with all of the NIU coaches including the defensive line coach Travis Moore and my entire family also really likes it at NIU so I decide to commit."
Moore Jr. who is getting ready this week for the start of the IHSA state playoffs pointed towards what stood out to him about NIU.
"I didn't make an official visit yet to NIU, they prefer to get everyone on campus for an official visit once the season ends sometime in early December. I've been to NIU I think four times now and I just feel good about the school and the football program. NIU just wants me to come in and play my game. They want me to come in and compete for playing time right away, and getting a chance to earn early playing time was important to me. I just want to come in and then go get the quarterback. NIU really likes how I fit into the defense for them and the NIU defense feels real comfortable to me and what my role will be in the defense. NIU also offers a good education and I'm just excited to play next season for the NIU Huskies."
So which other schools did Moore Jr. consider before committing to NIU?
"I looked pretty hard at Kent State, New Hampshire and also Marshall. I didn't make any other official visits and I really don't feel like I need to see any other schools. I feel great about my decision and I'm ready to just focus in now on my team and the state playoffs without worrying about recruiting."
What was the hardest part of the recruiting process for Moore Jr.?
"Just dealing with the process was pretty stressful and having to make a decision was the hardest part of the process. I mean this was the biggest decision I've made to make so far in my life and that was a lot of stress for sure. I'm just happy to have it done and behind me."
Next up for Moore Jr. and his Broncos teammates is the Class 7A state playoffs this weekend.
"Everyone is really locked in and focused on one goal and that's winning a state title. WE all have played together as a team for a few years now. We have more experience in dealing with the playoffs and how to handle them."
Ivan Moore Jr. is now the 25th known verbal commitment to the NIU Huskies Class of 2024, and is also the 10th known in state commitment for the Huskies. Moore Jr. joins East St. Louis DB Taylor Powell, DeLaSalle DB David Coffey, Niles West TE Jason Fowler, Rich Township DL Sirmaine Campbell, Carmel Catholic DB Devion Reynolds, Triad OL Lance Mahnesmith, Rochester DE Lance Ingold, Crystal Lake Central WR/TE George Dimopolous and Tinley Park DE Carlos Hazelwood.