Cole Tucker (WR), DeKalb
Northern Illinois University and head coach Rod Carey didn't need to go far to find its latest in-state commitment. Tucker (6-foot-2, 170 pounds) recently added a scholarship offer from the Huskies and a few days later gave the school his verbal commitment.
"I gave it a few days to think it over with my family and my coaches after NIU offered me," Tucker said. "I just have always loved NIU football and I was ready to commit so I committed. Everyone is very excited and happy for me."
Did Tucker consider moving away from DeKalb?
"I really tried to step away from the fact that I live in DeKalb and look at things if I wanted to get away from home for college," Tucker said. In the end it's just too good of an opportunity for me to pass up at NIU. I love NIU football and even after looking at some other schools I still saw myself playing for NIU."
Robert Topps (DB), Marist
Marist junior defensive back Robert Topps (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) is yet another name from the Home of the Redhawks to emerge this spring. Topps, who has three scholarship offers from Western Michigan, New Mexico and Wyoming, made a recent visit to Cincinnati.
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"I went to visit Cincinnati on Saturday for a Junior Day and that visit went well," Topps said. "I was impressed with the facilities at Cincinnati and they also have an experienced coaching staff. I also like the fact that Cincinnati is more of an urban campus. Being from Chicago it felt good to have the campus in the middle of the city. The coaches want me to stay in touch and overall it was a good visit."
Topps has also drawn recruiting looks Illinois, Indiana and Purdue.
[HOT FIVE: Edgy Tim's Top in-state recruits from Class of 2017]
Eric Rooks (WR), De La Salle
De La Salle junior wide receiver Eric Rooks (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) added an offer during a visit to Eastern Michigan over the weekend.
"It's cool getting an offer from Eastern Michigan," Rooks said. "I visited them on Saturday and I liked the coaches at EMU and they are in the rebuilding stage of the program. I also liked EMU's emphasis on family."
Rooks is also starting to draw recruiting interest from a handful of schools as an H-back.
"Pitt and Arkansas are both talking to me now, and they both mentioned me playing H-back," Rooks said.
Deerfield products drawing interest
Deerfield has two DI recruits to watch early on this spring. Head coach Steve Winiecki's team next fall will feature junior defensive end Josh Maize (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), who has offers from Central Michigan, New Mexico and Wyoming. Now add wide receiver Charlie Jones (6-foot-0, 175 pounds) to the DI recruit list. Late last week Jones added his first offer from Wyoming.
"Wyoming offered me a scholarship late last week," Jones said. "The coaches at Wyoming had been staying in touch over the past few weeks and it's great that they offered me."
Jones has also drawn recruiting looks North Dakota State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Western Illinois.