‘Edgy’ Tim: Glenbard West pair commit to NU, ICCP’s Bowen drawing more attention

Glenbard West junior tight end Brady Johnson (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) recently gave the Northwestern Wildcats his verbal commitment.

“The overall combination of academic and athletics at Northwestern is just too much to pass up,” Johnson said. “I already love the coaches and the school. It was pretty much hard for anyone to beat Northwestern, especially once they offered me a scholarship.”

Johnson pointed toward a few key factors in his commitment to the Wildcats.

“Northwestern offered me as a tight end and they already have one tight end commitment in this class,” he said. “I definitely did not want to pass on such a great opportunity that I have with Northwestern. … Northwestern is close to home which is a real positive. My goal from early on was to play in the Big Ten Conference. It’s great for my family and friends that they will be able to see all of my games and be close to home. Northwestern is opening a brand new stadium next season and they already have world class facilities and now a world class stadium.”

Johnson admitted the timing of his decision is early but he’s confident in his choice.

“It’s a big relief and weight off my shoulders,” he said. “Northwestern was the team to beat for me right after I got the offer from them. They just offer everything I'm looking for in a school and a football program. I don't think I would ever be someone who would drag out my recruiting process. I'm happy and thrilled to make this commitment to Northwestern. Now I can just focus on my senior season and also help us reach our goal of winning state.”

Look for Johnson to help the Wildcats on the recruiting front.

“I’m definitely looking forward to just getting to know the different Northwestern recruits who have already committed along with helping them bring in more kids. I’ll help the coaches out in anyway I can. I’m just very happy and excited about how everything has worked out.”

Wallace also commits to NU

Glenbard West junior offensive tackle Josiah Wallace (6-8, 300 pounds) made his college decision shortly after teammate Brady Johnson, and also gave Northwestern his verbal commitment.

“I sat down the other night and had a long talk with my mom about everything including recruiting,” Wallace said. “Overall Northwestern is by far the best overall fit for me. I have some great offers and opportunities from several other schools but Northwestern is the place for me so I committed.

“Northwestern overall is just a great school academically as well as having a great football program,” he said. “Overall I just love and trust the coaches at Northwestern including coach (David) Braun. The football program at Northwestern is doing some amazing things. They have incredible facilities, a great coaching staff along with opening a brand new stadium this coming season. I know that if I put in the hard work, I’ll be able to graduate with a great degree and land a good job after graduation. I just feel very comfortable and very at home at Northwestern.”

Why make such an early decision?

“The overall timing just feels right for me. The Northwestern coaches really didn't pressure me at all on making a decision. … I looked pretty hard at everyone who offered me including Purdue, Kansas State and also Cincinnati. Northwestern always made me feel welcomed and needed. Northwestern has a plan for me and always talked to me about how I fit in for them.”

He is also excited to stay closer to home and join Johnson in the Wildcats’ Class of 2027.

“Brady (Johnson) is just a great player and a great person and I’m very happy to join him at Northwestern,” Wallace said. “Staying closer to home was never a big deal for me, but it just worked out that way. I know my friends and my family are thrilled for me about my commitment to Northwestern.”

ICCP’s Bowen still adding offers

IC Catholic Prep sophomore athlete Grant Bowen (6-4, 205 pounds) saw his recruiting stock rise over the last few weeks in January. Bowen, who added more than a dozen Power Four scholarship offers within a two-week period, recaps his latest recruiting news.

“I was able to add great offers from the coaches and in most cases they all made at least one in-school visit if not two visits,” Bowen said. “I added offers and was able to meet the coaches from Notre Dame, Florida, Indiana, Miami (Fla.), Texas A&M, Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgia, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Tennessee and also Oklahoma. It seemed like the coaches wanted to see me in person, then some of them would come back with another coach for a second in-school visit. Michigan State, Northwestern, Iowa, Oklahoma and Miami made in-school visits twice.”

Does Bowen have any upcoming spring visit plans?

“I’m still in the middle of my basketball season and we start the state playoffs (soon),” he said. “My focus right now is on school and my basketball season. Once the hoops season ends I’ll start planning some spring visits along with my parents. I’m looking at getting out to see Oklahoma, Georgia and also Miami (Fla.) this spring. I’m sure we will also get around and see some schools in the Midwest and schools that are closer to home.”