Here is my Class of 2017 in-state review of the Northern Illinois Huskies recruiting class. I'll release my annual Signing Class reviews of all State of Illinois FBS and FCS schools.
EDGY's NIU Huskies Grade: B-
NIU has made it's program a success year in and year out based heavily on it's in-state recruiting efforts. I love the fact that nearly half of this class is in-state names and NIU I feel did well with the Class of 2017. The overall talent level in this NIU in-state recruiting group could be as high in some spots as any I can remember for several years. The Huskies main focus was reloading on the defensive line and inked 5 linemen, other wise NIU and head coach Rod Carey was able to add depth to multiple positions.
Headliner Of The In-State Class?
NIU I believe has a few potential headliners in this Class of 2017 who need to be featured here.
Homewood-Flossmoor wide receiver Tyrice Richie (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) was a big time play maker for the Vikings and head coach Craig Buzea. Richie has great hands, body control and speed and Richie is just a high level receiver who should challenge to break into the NIU receiver rotation. Immaculate Conception three star ranked running back Jordan Rowell (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is just a high level athlete who was a two-way starter and standout for the 3A state champion Knights. Also St. Charles North offensive tackle Isaac Hawn (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) might be one of the meanest on the field/nicest kids off the field names in Illinois. Hawn, who is now enrolled at NIU is already college sized and has a chance to also challenge the depth chart early.
The One Who Got Away?
NIU was able to get offers out to several top names in the Class of 2017 in-state and missed out on kids who would up in the Big Ten. NIU offered Deerfield three tar ranked defensive end Josh Maize (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) early on and Maize also showed early interest in NIU. However once Maize started to draw Power 5 looks and a few eventual offers Maize seemed to back off the Huskies. Maize wound up signing with Miami of Ohio.
In-State Sleeper of the Class:
Again the overall talent level in this NIU in-state class is high so I could easily list several names here. NIU has had a terrific track record with Romeoville High School for years, going back to the Joe Novak era. Romeoville running back Jordan Nettles (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) didn't get a ton of recruiting hype or offers yet don't be fooled. Nettles has top level speed and quickness and I feel has a good chance of finding the field sooner rather than later. Also DeKalb wide receiver Cole Tucker (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) is a terrific receiver and was much more than a nice "feel good" local boy makes good signing. Tucker is a baller.
So who can challenge for early playing time in DeKalb?
I'll look towards wide receiver spot and one of the three freshmen if not more could wind up seeing playing time this coming fall. I'll say H-F's Ty Richie winds up in the rotation early but DeKalb receiver Cole Tucker won't be very far behind here.
Final Thoughts on the NIU Huskies Recruiting Efforts:
Let's face it last season was about as rough for NIU and it's fan as any since the late 90's so this recruiting class for head coach Rod Carey and staff was a big priority. Overall I just like the talent level in this in-state class. NIU was able to add and bring in some pretty talented football players and in some cases kid with say Power 5 size and athletic ability. NIU has always done a terrific job of finding those slightly under the radar types and developing those names into contributors and that should continue to happen with this class.
Despite a 5-7 season in 2016, which began with a bizzare loss at Wyoming and ended with NIU winning four of it's last five games NIU still has a lot of positives to offer recruits. NIU remains a blue collar hard working school and football program that knows how to win. The Huskies also offer a solid education, is located close to Chicagoland and NIU also continues to upgrade and improve it's overall facilities.
NIU fans should feel good about it's in-state recruiting efforts in the Class of 2017.
Next up: Illinois State University
