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Although their last game did not go as NIU fans were hoping, there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Northern Illinois fan. The team is 3-1, SchedulePalooza made an encore appearance, AND the Huskies landed in-state linebacker, Kyle Pugh.
Kyle Pugh
Chicago Heights, IL
Status: Verbally committed to Northern Illinois
Commitment Date: 9/22/2014
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215
Position(s): ILB
High School: Bloom
Kyle Pugh stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 215 pounds making him an intimidating force on Friday nights for Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Pugh had a breakout junior campaign tallying 105 total tackles. His efforts earned him All-Conference honors along with First Team All-Area. Pugh is also a competitor in the classroom, as we currently carries a 3.7 grade point average and was named Academic All-State.
Pugh chose the Huskies over offers from Syracuse, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Miami, Nevada, Toledo, Western Michigan and Wyoming.
In a recent interview with the Southtown Star, Pugh talked about his recent visit to Northern Illinois.
"I loved it during my visit, I got a chance to be around the guys. The game-day experience was really good. I just loved everything about the school."
Pugh is a huge get for the Huskies not only because of his talent, but he also helps to maintain the recruiting pipeline that the Huskies have in the state of Illinois. The Illinois recruiting pipeline has produced some of the best players in NIU's history, and maintaining this pipeline is also critical for future success.
The Huskies already have four commits from the state of Illinois for their 2015 recruiting class. In the end, it seems that Pugh liked the idea of staying closer to home as opposed to a place as far as Syracuse.
From a talent perspective, Pugh possesses all the skills to become a star in the MAC so NIU fans have reason to be excited about this Illinois product. The recruiting services are also high on Pugh as he is rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports. Look for Pugh to come in right away and push for playing time.
Excited to see what Pugh can bring to the Huskies? Check out his Hudl highlights below: