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Western Michigan's hot start to the 2017 recruiting class continued on Wednesday evening when P.J. Fleck and the Broncos coaching staff landed a verbal pledge from one of the top defensive line prospects in Illinois. Announcing his plans to suit up for the Broncos on Twitter, three-star defensive end Noah Hickcox is the latest soon-to-be senior to commit to WMU.
Blessed to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Western Michigan!! #RTB pic.twitter.com/69IvjBUdQc
— Noah Hickcox (@Titan4life4089) March 17, 2016
Before his commitment to the Broncos, Hickcox, who was named First Team All-Conference after finishing his junior season with 46 total tackles, and five sacks, had his fair share of college coaches actively trying to add him their roster. Fellow Mid-American Conference programs Buffalo, Central Michigan, and Miami were among the schools to reportedly offer the 6'4, 265-pound standout from Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois.
"WMU is the best fit for me academically and as a football program and I love the atmosphere that Kalamazoo has as well. Obviously WMU has a great atmosphere." Hickcox stated to Allen Trieu of Scout.com as a few of the reasons why he chose WMU over other options he had on the table.
Western Michigan head coach P.J. Fleck has made his home-state of Illinois a top priority so far on the recruiting trail. Starting the 2017 cycle off rather strong, six of the seven Broncos verbal commitments are from the Land of Lincoln. Hickcox now joins fellow Illinois prospects Chris Bell, Marcus Hayes, Reyondous Estes, Dylan Deatherage, and Prince Walker in the Broncos class.
Want to see Noah Hickcox in action? Check out his high school highlights, courtesy of the team at Hudl: