Bowers close to a decision

We haven't heard too much lately from three-star Illinois running back Giorgio Bowers, but the recruiting process has been moving steadily along for the talented prospect.

Bowers is ranked the No. 27 prospect in the state of Illinois, and over the course of the last several months he has picked up offers from Northern Illinois, Akron, Bowling Green and a couple of FCS schools.

He may have had more offers by now if he had gotten his highlight film out, but there has been a delay in that area.

"I'll probably be making my commitment pretty soon," he explained. "The only reason I've been stalling is because I've been having issues with my coaching staff. I haven't been able to have someone put my highlight tape together so I haven't gotten it out to schools. We're getting that done now. I want to send it out to Iowa State and Cincinnati, because those are the only two (schools) I'm really interested in other than Northern (Illinois)."

NIU is in a pretty good position with the 5-foot-9, 192-pound back.

"I haven't talked to many schools recently. I've been in contact with Iowa State, Cincinnati, and of course, Northern. That's my number one school. They really want me, that's the main thing. They want me to be that guy for them that comes in and makes a difference. It's nice, it's close to home and it's 'Running Back U'."

Bowers took his official visit to NIU over the weekend of October 2 and he said it was a positive experience.

So far Rich Central, Bowers' school, is 4-4 on the year. Their last game of the season is Friday and they are facing a win or go home situation. On the year Bowers has rushed for more than 900 yards and seven touchdowns on about 120 carries.

Though he's relatively small in stature Bowers has a compact build. This year he has proven that he can be an every-down type of back in college, and that's one thing NIU has noticed.

"I think my explosion has improved and I'm doing better at finishing on long runs. So my endurance has improved, too. I carried the ball 39 times in one game and 28 times in another."