Northwestern lands 17 recruits

EVANSTON — Northwestern landed 17 recruits, hoping to build on its recent success and secure its first bowl victory in decades.

It was national signing day Wednesday, and the Wildcats walked away with 11 offensive and six defensive players from seven states, including five from Illinois and four from Ohio. The class includes quarterback Zack Oliver of Baton Rouge, La., and defensive end Max Chapman of St. Augustine, Fla.

Coach Pat Fitzgerald says he expects this class "to come in and help us with the goal of achieving a Big Ten championship."