Running back Drake Anderson commits to Northwestern

Running back Drake Anderson (Chandler, AZ) will sign to play for Northwestern during this week's early signing period, according to azcentral.com. Anderson reportedly committed to play for Pat Fitzgerald during his official visit Saturday, though he hasn't posted his commitment on Twitter.

The Arizona back missed all of his sophomore and junior high school seasons with hip injuries, but exploded onto the scene as a senior, rushing for over 2000 yards and scoring 37 total touchdowns. Illinois is Anderson's only other Power 5 offer, but that's in large part because of the injuries.

Durability may be a concern going forward, but toughness is not. Anderson broke his hand in the second quarter of the Arizona 6A State Championship game, but stayed in the game and recorded a career-high 35 carries, including a key 43-yard touchdown run.

Given how little tape there is on Anderson, Northwestern could very well have found a diamond in the rough with him. Part of how Fitzgerald may have found about him is that he's the son of former Northwestern running back Damien Anderson, who held the title of NU's all-time leading rusher until Justin Jackson surpassed him this season.

Anderson becomes the 16th player to commit to Northwestern for the 2018 class.