Huskies Insider: NIU announces next batch of signed recruits; Launches NIL Collective

[Ape]

Dekalb IL

Coach Ape has been hot on the recruiting trail over the past couple weeks and has talked to Huskies Insider about his newest signings. We have all the information about this and other Huskies news below. 
 

Daniel Bennett: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Accuracy Punter from St. John’s in Shrewsbury, MA 

Overall: C

Potential: C+
 

Dipping into the Northeast, Coach Ape pulled in his third 4 star recruit of the cycle in Daniel Bennett. Bennett will come in and take over punting duties right away as he is now expected to be the only Punter on roster next season. Coach Ape had a tough fight for a few weeks with UConn for Bennett but made him a priority at a priority position for the Huskies. When asked about Bennett Coach Ape said, “We are very happy to have Daniel join our program. He’s a very resilient kid, worked on scholarship already at St. John’s. He’ll hopefully be punting for us for 4 years.” 
 

Jermaine Morgan: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Balanced Quarterback from Grayslake North in Grayslake, IL

Overall: C

Potential: A-

Coach Ape stayed local for his next signing, grabbing what he and we hope is the quarterback of the future for the Huskies. Jermaine Morgan played just 62 miles from Huskie Stadium at Grayslake North so he should have plenty of supporters when he hits the field. Many scouts believe that he can play above his 3 star status if he reaches his full potential. His High School coach said, “ Jermaine is the best leader I’ve had as a coach here. His teammates can rely upon him and actively seek his council out.” Coach Ape added, “Jermaine has massive potential. He will likely take a redshirt here and then see the field but his voice in the QB room next year will be valued. His potential is amazing and we’re very happy to have him here.” Morgan added onto the trend of Illinois recruits coming to Dekalb as he is now one of four Illinois recruits that Coach Ape has signed this cycle, we’ll talk about another one next. 
 

Michael Ray: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Receiving Tight End from Princeton High in Princeton, IL

Overall: C

Potential: B

Another Illinois Boy! Coach Ape has worked hard to build genuine trust and relationships with the high school coaches across the state. It paid dividends with Michael Ray who was heavily pursued by App State in addition to the Huskies. Ray is a shorter tight end who has a nose for the ball. When asked about Ray Coach Ape said, “Mike is a great at finding space and should be a nice safety blanket in the future for Jermaine Morgan. He will need time to acclimate to the college game and work on his blocking a bit but he should be able to get some looks in a year or two.” Ray played only roughly 70 miles away from Dekalb in Princeton so he should also have a lot of support when he hits the field! 
 

Oscar Brinkley: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Receiving Fullback from Yuba City in Yuba City,, California 

Overall: C

Potential: A+

Coach Ape went out west and snagged himself a fullback recruit. Oscar Brinkley has amazing hands and many scouts think the sky is the limit on his potential. He might be able to move over to running back as he has the right size to do it. When questioned about his last current signee Coach Ape was glowing, “Oscar is lights out when he gets into space. He has the burst and hands to break big plays and get the offense out of jams. He might be moving to running back for us in Dekalb, he’s just that good.” We hope he lives up to that hype. 
 

This brings NIU’s class up to 8 commitments and it is now ranked 77th in the nation, a nearly 50 spot jump. 
 

In other news, Coach Ape and AD Nick Hevesy have announced the formation of a brand new NIL Collective, “The Dog Pack Collective” which will serve to help facilitate NIL deals for all NIU athletes. NIU already has signed up multiple local partners, including the historic Egyptian Theater, up for opportunities with NIU student athletes. Being in close proximity to the city of Chicago will also hopefully bring opportunities for The Dog Pack Collective and Huskie Athletes. 

Edited July 28, 2023 by Ape
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