by Chris Johnson (@chrisdjohnsonn)
NU picked up its tenth commitment of 2013 today when Oradell, NJ, WR/S Kyle Quiero chose the Wildcats over a handful of major conference programs, including West Virginia, Purdue, North Carolina, Illinois and Boston College . Quiero’s pledge continues a recent flurry of recruiting activity that includes eight verbal commitments since June 8. The Wildcats also got a verbal friday night from Peninsula, Ohio, PK/P Hunter Niswander.
Six of the ten 2013 commits are rated as three-star prospects or higher (H/T @Chrisemmascout). NU's 10 commitments ranks seventh among Big Ten teams, behind national leader Michigan (22), Iowa (15), Illinois (13), Ohio State (12), Penn State (12), Nebraska (11).
The 2013 Class, as it stands today:
Matthew Alviti--four-star QB, Park Ridge (IL)
Sam Coverdale--three-star OT, Chagrin Falls (OH)
Brad North--three-star OG, Allen (TX)
Kyle Quiero--three-star WR/S, Oradell (NJ)
Blake King--three-star OG, Minooka (IL)
Eric Joraskie--three-star DT, Mount Carmel (PA)
Tyler Lancaster--two-star OG, Planfield (IL)
Hunter Niswander--K/P, Peninsula (OH)
Xavier Menifield--two-star RB, Chatsworth (CA)
Macan Wilson--two-star WR, Houston (TX)
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While Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State continue to grab headlines with each blue-chipper they reel in, NU is quietly putting together one of the Big Ten’s better 2013 classes. Up until recently, quality offensive line talent had defined the 2013 class, having added three three-star prospects and one two-star in close proximity. Quiero’s commitment, coupled with recent additions of two-star wideout Macan Wilson and two-star running back Xavier, point towards Fitzgerald and staff shifting their focus towards the skill positions.
Check out PurpleWildcats.com and Fox Sports Next/Scout.com for the latest in Northwestern recruiting.