3-star running back Joseph Himon II picks Northwestern, further bolstering 2022 recruiting class

With Northwestern’s recent success on the recruiting trail — securing ten commitments since the end of the recruiting dead period at the start of June — and its recent track record of landing sought-after running backs — with Cam Porter serving as an anchor for the Class of 2020 and Anthony Tyus III being one of the most anticipated members of the Class of 2021 — one might’ve thought that Pat Fitzgerald might’ve already landed a ball carrier for the Class of 2022.

One would’ve assumed incorrectly, though, until yesterday, when Arkansas RB Joseph Himon II committed to Northwestern, choosing the ‘Cats over final contenders Mizzou, Vanderbilt and Louisville.

At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds and posting a 4.42 second 40-yard dash time, Himon’s speed has been undeniable in his latter two high school years, as he’s been the lead back for back-to-back state champion Pulaski Academy and, in his junior season, came within 75 rushing yards of posting 2,000 yards gained on the ground and 1,000 yards receiving. He is ranked as the 951st best player in the 2022 class as a whole by 247Sports’ Composite rankings, coming in at 72nd nationally among running backs.

With Himon’s commitment, Northwestern class sits at 31st nationally and 7th in the B1G, according to 247Sports. Should such rankings hold, they would represent all-time highs for NU.

It’s unlikely, though, that we’ve seen the last of the Northwestern commitments this summer. Some of the biggest names Northwestern has recruited this cycle, including four-stars Alex VanSumeren, Gi’Bran Payne, Fisher Anderson, Selah Brown and Anto Saka, are yet to announce their decisions, with Anderson pledging to commit by the end of the month and a decision date of July 17 set for Saka.