2017 LB lands first Big Ten offers

Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral class of 2017 linebacker Pete Werner was headed to one Big Ten stadium when he picked up his first offer from another conference program.

"I had just arrived at Purdue and I was due to call Dennis Springer, the wide receivers coach from Northwestern. So, right when I stepped out of the car I called him and he said, 'We want to offer you.' So, I was happy about that.

"Then, I went to the Purdue game and they brought two juniors back - me and another guy - and they offered both of us. They said I was the first junior they offered there as a linebacker."

Prior to learning about his offer from Purdue, Werner was able to take in the Boilermaker's win over Nebraska and interact with the coaching staff.

"I got a lot of interest from all the coaches," Werner said. "I got there a little late due to film, so I got there about 30 minutes before game time and didn't have a chance to speak with any coaches before the game. After, they brought me back in their coaches' offices and it was really cool. I guess they have a big project making new facilities for them."

Werner has also attended a game at Northwestern, watching the Wildcats take on Iowa in Evanston on Oct. 17.

"That was actually my first time there and I liked it a lot," Werner said. "All the coaches were pretty cool and the campus altogether was amazing. They are going to get it all redone and the pictures they showed are pretty amazing. It is going to be right on the beach, so that is going to be pretty cool."

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Werner has played safety during his career, and is playing cornerback for an 8-3 Cathedral team this season. His future, though, is in the front seven.

"Most schools are recruiting me as an outside linebacker," Werner said. "I am very comfortable at linebacker, so I don't think that will be a problem. I think that is where I am best suited at."

The offers from Northwestern and Purdue were preceded by an offer from Illinois State a few weeks back. Werner is playing for a new school this season, transferring from Mount Vernon High School prior to his junior year.

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