Baxter headed to NIU

Buffalo Grove senior Alan Baxter believed he had one of his better games of his varsity football career this year against Wheeling.

It was certainly good enough to make an impression on coaches from Northern Illinois University, who made a scholarship offer after the season to the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Baxter.

The Huskies also made a big impression on Baxter as he gave them a verbal commitment over offers from Air Force and Eastern Illinois.

"I loved it when I went there (for summer camp) and talking to my coaches and family, I came to the conclusion it was the best place for me," Baxter said. "It's awesome. It feels like a weight taken off my chest - there's nothing to worry about anymore."

Baxter was a three-year varsity starter, two-time all-conference pick and this year's Mid-Suburban East co-defensive player of the year. Baxter had 73 tackles, 13 tackles for losses and 5 sacks.

But the versatility he showed by playing offensive tackle and some fullback also caught the eye of NIU offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Matt Limegrover and defensive line coach Jeff Phelps.

"They loved that, they loved that I could run," Baxter said of his snaps at fullback.

Baxter said the Huskies, who are 6-6 under first-year head coach Jerry Kill, could see him at fullback, linebacker or on the defensive line. He said there is a possibility of being part of their eight-man defensive line rotation.

Baxter has a 3.8 grade point average on a 5.0 scale and scored 21 on the ACT and plans to study business or accounting.

"I love the coaching staff there," Baxter said. "They're really good guys and they pushed me pretty hard in camp."