Here is my Class of 2017 in-state review of the Northwestern Wildcats recruiting class. I'll release my annual Signing Class reviews of all State of Illinois FBS and FCS schools.

EDGY's Northwestern Wildcats grade: C

The Wildcats Class of 2017 was again a bit light on in-state commitments, which was also the same case in 2016. Northwestern signed two scholarship players along with adding three preferred walk-ons. Northwestern was able to add some real quality with it's in-state recruiting class, yet the overall lower number of in-state scholarship players no question hurts the overall grade. Northwestern just not focusing enough on local names? No, I honestly feel that Northwestern does a tremendous job of early identifying. However, some years the Wildcats are simply very limited in it's overall numbers based off it's lofty academic standards. The in-state Class of 2017 no question seemed to have way more academic question marks than answers. The Wildcats staff knew this at the same time a year ago going into early Class of 2017 evaluations.

Headliner Of The In-State Class?

Glenbard North three star ranked wide receiver Jace James (6-foot-0, 182 pounds) was a standout two way player for the Panthers over the past few seasons in Carol Stream. James played receiver, safety as well as returned kicks and was simply an impact player in all phases. James has terrific strength and hands, runs very good routes and has more than required speed. James has a chance to develop into a longer term contributor for Northwestern and will be a nice addition to an always strong Wildcats receiver rotation.

The One Who Got Away?

Loyola Academy three star ranked tight end Jake Marwede (6-foot-5, 240 pounds). Marwede, who last year told Rivals.com that he grew up a Wildcats fan was one of two in-state tight ends that Northwestern offered. In the end, Marwede pledged to Duke and the Wildcats missed out on one of the state's top players and also one of the state's most versatile athletes.

In-State Sleeper of the Class:

Montini Catholic defensive tackle Joe Spivak and/or Wheaton North inside linebacker Erik Mueller. Both Spivak and Mueller received various offers yet both called Northwestern a "dream school" and decided to pass up athletic money for a chance at walking on and earning an eventual scholarship. Spivak was simply one of the hardest working kids I've covered in many years. Spivak, while admittedly undersized uses his exceptional quickness, bend, explosiveness and pure power to beat all comers. Mueller, who was a three year varsity starter at inside linebacker for the Falcons is just a smart and hard nosed player who's capable of playing ILB/DE at the college level. Both will challenge for playing time and I feel both will eventually become full scholarship players for the Wildcats.

So who can challenge for early playing time in Evanston?

I fully expect both Jace James along with Lakes defensive back Cameron Ruiz to at least get a close look in August and both I feel have a shot at breaking into the depth charts. I see Jace James as having the best shot of seeing the most early playing time, yet I wouldn't be shocked to see but Ruiz should also contribute in 2017.

Final Thoughts on the Northwestern Wildcats Recruiting Efforts:

Certainly as an admitted in-state homer I would love to see Northwestern ink a dozen kids each class. Yet the reality is that Northwestern recruits nationally and in year's like 2017 they needed to go out of state heavily. Overall I like the kids who signed scholarship papers on Wednesday and I equally like the three preferred walk ons including UHigh K/P Luke Otto.

Northwestern is just at a good place these days. The Wildcats are winning in more years than not The new athletic complex on the lake will be another huge selling point. Add in the stability of Pat Fitzgerald and staff, exceptional academics and the overall positives still remain high in Evanston. Room for improvement? The overall fan base and game day attendance especially on the home side has always been an issue for the Wildcats and that might always be the case? I've always felt Northwestern local fan draw is a case in part to the school drawing more of a nationwide student base.

In the end while the in-state numbers haven't been as strong as they can be for Northwestern, those numbers haven't waned because of a lack of effort.

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