Geneva's Boenzi chooses Northern Illinois

In the end, Frank Boenzi honored Northern Illinois University's loyalty.

A horde of major college programs had been interested in Geneva's 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle. Boenzi's academic standing deterred most all of them, but not Huskies coach Jerry Kill and Boenzi's recruiter, former record-setting Kaneland receiver P.J. Fleck.

A three-year starter for Geneva, on Friday, Dec. 4, Boenzi committed to play football at NIU. On Dec. 3, Kill and Fleck extended a scholarship offer during an in-home visit and dinner with the Geneva student and his parents, Patrice and Frank.

"No one decided to take a chance on me except NIU," said the younger Boenzi, who this season was credited with 20 solo tackles, 53 assists, 5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries for the 9-2 Vikings. He also saw spot duty in short-yardage situations at tight end and fullback.

"I could have gone the juco (junior college) route and maybe played somewhere else, but they (NIU) have a great football program, a great coaching staff and great academic help to go along with it," Boenzi said. "I'm not going to go somewhere to set myself up to fail."

Boenzi admitted to "terrible" grades as a freshman and sophomore, when he got rolling with the Geneva varsity football team and also qualified downstate in wrestling as a sophomore heavyweight. He said he's "stepped up" academically his junior and senior years, though he said NIU granted his only offer. Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said Michigan State came on strong late.

Boenzi, who will not wrestle this winter but will try to become a three-time all-state shot putter in 2010 track and field, will rejoin former Geneva teammate Pat Schiller, a redshirt sophomore starting at linebacker for NIU. Boenzi has not yet taken his official visit.

"I know it's kind of funny committing before visiting, but that's the kind of confidence I have," he said.

"Big Frank" felt affirmed by Kill's own confidence - "to have the head coach come to your house and tell you he believes in you," said.

"The ultimate goal is the NFL," Boenzi said. "I'll take my shot, and if it doesn't happen at least I know I'll get through college and land a good job."