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North by Northwestern: Brad verbally commits to Wildcats
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
Instead of making the typical teenage decisions that accompany the first full week of summer vacation, Allen senior Brad North made up his mind on a topic of a bit more importance.
Specifically, where he would continue his college football career.
The 6-foot-2, 280-pound offensive lineman made that decision Friday when he verbally committed to Northwestern. North, one of two returning offensive starters for the Eagles this season alongside senior Oliver Pierce, selected the Wildcats over a number of suitors. He also possessed offers from schools like Arkansas State, Boise State, Colorado State, Houston, Nevada, San Diego State, Wake Forest and Washington State.
The genesis of North's commitment actually began in seventh grade when he started playing center, the position Northwestern has recruited him for. North played center in seventh, eighth and ninth grade before moving to tackle as a sophomore to fill a hole the Eagles had.
"We want our best five offensive linemen on the field," Fleener said. "Brad was one of those five, so we moved him and had him learn a new position."
The move paid dividends as North was named first team all-district for his work at left tackle as a junior in 2011. Those accolades alone were not enough to get the college offers rolling in, but North would take care of that problem too by putting up an MVP performance at the Nike Training Combine from Cowboys Stadium in March.
The Division I schools came calling after that and Northwestern quickly took the lead.
"I know the quality of the program and the quality of the coaches were two big selling points for Brad," Fleener said. "They talk about wanting well-rounded kids there; they really mean that and it's hard to find a more well-rounded kid then Brad. Plus, now he has an opportunity to get a degree from Northwestern and that really means something."
North, who will likely redshirt his freshman season, made his visit immediately after Finals, setting the stage for Friday's verbal commitment.
"This is an unbelievable situation for Brad," Fleener said.
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