Ohio's Sutton Picks Northwestern

Akron (Hoban) running back Tyrell Sutton will be a four-year varsity starter in 2004. Sutton has shattered every Hoban rushing record and now he's going after the Ohio rushing record. Sutton gave Randy Walker and Northwestern his verbal commitment.

"I picked Northwestern because the coaches made me feel like a student-athlete and not just a football player." Sutton said.

"When I visited Northwestern they asked me what my goals were in the classroom.

"For me it's the best of both worlds. I get to play football in the Big Ten Conference and I also get to study at one of the best Universities in the world.

"Also when I visited Northwestern, everyone made me feel at home. It was a comfort level that I felt and I knew that I wanted to go to Northwestern."

The Wildcats are ecstatic that they have a running back in the fold of Sutton's stature.

Sutton's size and speed are almost identical to that of former Wildcat All-American Damien Anderson.

At 5-9 and 190-pounds, Sutton runs a 4.38 40-yard dash. He's perfect for Northwestern's offensive scheme.

Sutton will be a four-year varsity starter in 2004. He rushed for 2,539 and 35 touchdowns as a junior and was named all-state.

"I have every Hoban rushing record," Sutton said. "Now I'm going after the state rushing record for yards in a career.

"I need 2,020 yards to be the #1 all-time rusher in the history of Ohio football." Sutton joins another Ohioan, Mike Dinard, as Northwestern verbal commitments. The Wildcats have started their recruiting season with a couple of 3-star prospects.