Streamwood's Morrow commits to NIU

Streamwood running back Alex Morrow has accepted an offer to play college football at Northern Illinois University.

"I'm excited to play at the highest level of college football," Morrow said. "Now I have to go in and earn some playing time. I think I can do that."

A two-time Daily Herald All-Area honoree, Morrow was the Fox Valley area's second-leading rusher last fall, when he helped lead Streamwood to its first playoff berth in nine years. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior finished third in the voting for Upstate Eight Conference River Division Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,318 yards and 15 touchdowns on 204 carries. He also made 8 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Morrow took an official visit last weekend to the DeKalb campus, where he toured the football facilities and received the offer.

"I like Northern," Morrow said. "All the facilities are great and they're building an indoor practice field next year. They have great locker rooms and weight rooms and I really like the coaching staff. It's the right place for me. I'm excited."

An excellent student with a 4.3 grade-point average and 26 ACT score, Morrow said he intends to study kinesiology due to his interest in sports medicine.