Huntley’s Only chooses Nebraska

A whirlwind, two-month recruiting process culminated for Huntley junior third baseman Bryce Only last weekend when he gave a verbal commitment to play for the University of Nebraska in 2013-14.

Only, who has played varsity baseball at Huntley since he was a freshman, gave coach Darin Erstad his commitment in person Sunday evening before Nebraska completed a three-game Big Ten series against Northwestern in Evanston.

“An opportunity like this doesn’t happen a lot, so I talked to the coaches on Sunday and told them I was going to be a Cornhusker,” Only said after Tuesday’s 2-for-3 performance in a 6-0 win at Glenbard East. “Every time people asked me if I had decided about a college and I mentioned Nebraska, a smile came to my face. It felt right.”

In 33 games as a sophomore, Only batted .333 (36-for-108) with 9 doubles, 7 home runs and 36 RBI. Prep Baseball Report ranks him as the No. 11 prospect in the junior class statewide.

“I’m very happy for him,” Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski said. “It’s in the Midwest and it’s a big-name program. They said they’ll need a third baseman in two years, so Bryce will have the opportunity to come in and compete. He’s an awesome kid and a tireless worker. We’ll fine-tune him for the next two years and get him ready to be a Cornhusker.”

A Nebraska assistant coach called Jakubowski in February to inquire about a sophomore player in his program, at which time the Huntley coach suggested the Cornhuskers also take a look at Only. Within minutes the Nebraska assistant pulled up and viewed an Internet video of Only’s at-bats and expressed interest.

Nebraska assistant coach Will Bolt came to watch the Red Raiders in person last Thursday against DeKalb, a game in which Only doubled in a run. Bolt then visited Huntley the following morning to watch him take batting practice.

In turn, Only saw the Cornhuskers play at Northwestern on Friday and Sunday and liked what he saw.

“I could see myself wearing a Nebraska uniform,” said Only, a student with a 3.2 grade-point average who intends to study biology or business. “It’s a great opportunity to play for a coach who is a former major leaguer. It’s a big-time education and the facilities in Lincoln are going to be top notch. I’m looking forward to it.”

Only chose Nebraska over offers from Western Kentucky and Bethune-Cookman. He had also gained interest from Purdue and Duke. He becomes the second junior on Huntley’s roster to commit to a Division-I program. Outfielder Colin Lyman committed to Louisville in December.

Only chose Nebraska over offers from Western Kentucky and Bethune-Cookman. He had also gained interest from Purdue and Duke.

Only becomes the second junior on Huntley’s roster to commit to a Division-I program. Outfielder Colin Lyman gave his commitment to Louisville in December.

Hofman to St. Norbert: Former Jacobs boys basketball standout Nick Hofman initially opted not to play college basketball, but the itch never went away.

A freshman student at Central Michigan University, Hofman caught the basketball bug again midway through his first semester and decided to investigate the possibility of a return to the hardwood.

After he inquired at various schools, the coaching staff at Division III St. Norbert College expressed immediate interest. He visited the DePere, Wis. campus over break in December, found it a good fit, and recently gave his verbal commitment to join the Green Knights next fall. Hofman will have four years of eligibility.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to put up with the daily grind anymore, but my passion for basketball came back quickly once I began working out,” Hofman said Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”

Hofman underwent surgery as a high school junior to repair a torn meniscus and ACL. He excelled throughout his senior season despite playing with knee soreness. The 6-foot-3 guard finished his senior year as the area’s third-leading scorer with 523 points in 29 games (18 avg.). He shot 75 percent from the free-throw line (81 of 108), 32.4 percent from 3-point range (34 of 105) and averaged 3.6 rebounds per game.

He was a Class 4A all-state honorable mention selection in 2010-11 and was named to the Daily Herald Fox Valley all-area team.

Hofman said his knee issues are behind him, thanks to a year of rest. He was released to play after an examination by Dr. Brian Cole, an orthopedic surgeon at Rush University Medical Center and the team physician for the Chicago Bulls.

“It’s holding up well,” Hofman said. “All I needed was a few weeks of rest after my senior year and it was fine. The doctor said I’m 100 percent.”

Gators to the next level: Several members of the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division co-champion and Class 6A quarterfinalist Crystal Lake South football team will swell the college football ranks next fall.

Gators center Eddie Atkinson recently signed with Western Illinois University. Atkinson, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound center, was named all-FVC Valley as a senior.

“I can’t say enough about the coaching staff there,” Atkinson said. “On my visit I felt like I just fit in right away. Football has been in my blood since I was eight years old playing travel for the Crystal Lake Raiders. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Crystal Lake South’s sack leader, nose tackle Josh Beveridge, will play for North Central College next fall. Beveridge (6-0, 210) led the Gators with 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. An all-FVC Valley and Daily Herald all-area selection, he notched 29 solo tackles, 24 assists and forced 2 fumbles.

Reese Dziedzic (6-0, 210), an all-FVC Valley and all-area linebacker/running back, has committed to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Dziedzic made 25 tackles to go with 28 assists, a sack and 5.5 tackles for loss. He also led the Gators in rushing yards (566) and scored 7 touchdowns on 99 carries. He’ll be joined at Wisconsin-Oshkosh by all-FVC linebacker Steve Forner (6-1, 235).

Defensive lineman and tight end Colt Nero (6-3, 190) has committed to Minnesota State. As previously reported, Daily Herald all-area honorary captain Brad Walovitch will play for Winona State.

“This was a real good senior group,” CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said of a class that won more games than any other in school history. “They were talented and real hard workers. Last year’s senior group got a lot of press because of the types of players we had. This year’s group was unheralded but they did a great job.”