The third commit in NIU's 2015 class is a fantastic grab for the Huskies. 3-star athlete Sutton Smith pledged his commitment to NIU back in early May, giving the Huskies a Top-100 OLB prospect in the process.
Though some sites, such as 247Sports, have Smith listed as an outside linebacker, he also plays some offense, running back, and possesses impressive 4.4 speed. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Smith is a fantastic athlete with great potential on either side of the ball. As a linebacker, Smith is explosive and quick to change directions, which makes up for an otherwise lack of ball skills and instincts in some areas. Even so, those are things that can be taught, especially at a great program such as NIU.
He's previously played strong safety, and fits the mold of a physical and athletic Jimmie Ward, so he should fit right into the Huskies secondary when he finally enrolls in DeKalb.
The Saint Charles, Missouri native is considered a Top-15 prospect in his home state. Thought NIU was his only confirmed offer at the time of his commitment, he was receiving interest from plenty of programs, including Arkansas, Illinois and Iowa, so it was great for NIU to get him off the market so early.