Mustangs' Kirk likes the mix at New Mexico

The coaches at the University of New Mexico left a good taste in Ty Kirk's mouth.

The Daily Herald All-Area wide receiver from Rolling Meadows plans to major in culinary arts.

And Kirk found the New Mexico staff had a better handle on his academic menu than other schools.

"My mom was interested about the school," Kirk said. "The New Mexico coaches told me right away about it and that was also a plus."

On Tuesday, Kirk verbally committed to New Mexico over offers from Iowa, Akron and Illinois State. The signing date for letters of intent is Wednesday.

New Mexico is not unfamiliar territory to the 6-foot-2, 172-pound Kirk, who caught 37 passes for 552 yards for the Mid-Suburban East co-champions. His grandparents live just a few hours away in El Paso, Texas.

And one of the other aspects Kirk found mouthwatering about New Mexico was a steady diet of passing.

The Lobos, who are coming off a 9-4 season and first postseason win in 46 years in the New Mexico Bowl, threw for 3,070 yards. Graduating receivers Travis Brown and Marcus Smith were invited to the NFL Draft combine.

"They said I'd have a chance to play next year," Kirk said. "When I went on my visit I really liked the campus. They pass a lot and get the ball to the receivers a lot."

Kirk will also get to continue his track and field career at New Mexico. He was second in the triple jump in last year's Class AA state meet with a 47-1¾ and hopes to reach 50 feet and a state title this season.

He's also trying to keep Meadows on its second-half drive toward a postseason run. And Kirk, who has a 3.6 grade point average on a 5.0 scale and scored 19 on the ACT, can't wait to get started toward his goal of becoming a chef someday.

"I really liked that," Kirk said of New Mexico's program that includes working at a hotel and restaurant.

Good thing New Mexico's coaches were aware of how important it is to Ty Kirk.