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On Wednedsay evening, NIU landed its first commitment of the 2017 recruiting class from wide receiver Cole Tucker.
Proud to announce that I will be continuing my academic/football career at NIU! #TheHardWay pic.twitter.com/cAYubwjlvy
— Cole Tucker (@cole_tucker15) March 10, 2016
Tucker's family will not have to travel far to see him play, however as he attends DeKalb high school just down the road from NIU.
In a recent conversation with Hustle Belt, Tucker explained why he decided to commit this early in the process.
"I grew up loving NIU football. Living here In DeKalb I went to every home game. Also, the coaching staff was great and I really felt like they wanted me there."
On the gridiron, he currently plays both wide receiver and defensive back but tells us he will play receiver at the next level. He tallied 1093 yards on 53 receptions along with 18 total TD's as a junior. Tucker also plays basketball in high school and started in every game as a junior, averaging just under eight points a game.
At 6-foot-2 170 pounds, Tucker has the speed to stretch the field and become a reliable vertical threat with the Huskies. He also has some experience returning kickoffs and punt returns which could help him see the field early in his collegiate career.
Check out Tucker for yourself by watching his Junior highlights courtesy of Hudl.