Prospect's Osei makes right connection with NIU

Miles Osei's ability to calmly and quickly read the situation led to tremendous success on the football field the last two seasons.

The Prospect senior quarterback displayed similar traits in making his college decision. After visiting Northern Illinois, Osei took a week to assess the situation and then made his decision to give second-year head coach Jerry Kill and the Huskies a verbal commitment.

"I was just making sure and kind of went over all of my options," Osei said. "It was more reassuring and talking with my family and coaches.

"I just felt like Northern was the place to be. Even if other schools might offer (scholarships) I'd still have a really good sense about Northern."

After struggling in his first varsity season as a sophomore, the 6-foot-2, 194-pound Osei put up prolific numbers in a pair of Daily Herald All-Area seasons. He threw for 4,498 yards and 38 touchdowns and rushed for 2,426 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Osei also had scholarship offers from Central Michigan, Ball State, Buffalo, Illinois State and Eastern Illinois and had received interest from Illinois and Wyoming.

But everything he was looking for was about an hour west in DeKalb where the Huskies are preparing for an International Bowl appearance Jan. 2 in Toronto against South Florida.

"I liked the fact it was close to home so my parents and family members could go to games," Osei said. "They've been recruiting me the whole year and they've been loyal, trustworthy, honest and upfront about everything they've said.

"There were nothing but positives and it's a program on the rise. It all definitely factored into it."

Osei was also impressed but not overwhelmed by Kill, offensive line coach Matt Linegrover and quarterbacks coach Pat Poore.

"They're honest and down to earth people," Osei said. "They're what you're looking for - the average person."

That's why Osei believed the NIU coaches when they told him they were looking at him to play quarterback - even though that wasn't the ultimate deal-maker for him.

"Other coaches and other schools wanted me to play other positions," Osei said. "(NIU) said they wanted me strictly at quarterback and to be the quarterback."

NIU starting quarterback Chandler Harnish has two years of eligibility left but Osei said he'll have a chance to come in this summer and compete for playing time.

Osei, who has a 3.0 grade-point average and scored 25 on the ACT, plans to study psychology and wants to be a high school counselor. He also credited his guidance counselor, Rachel Brill, for her help in the process.

"I'm just really happy about my decision," Osei said. "It feels good that it's already a done deal. (Recruiting) was fun and all but it's just a big relief."