Chicago DB makes a verbal commitment

Chicago, Ill. three star ranked cornerback prospect Melvin Rice Jr. (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) from Chicago Morgan Park was struggling with his final college choice for the last few weeks. Rice Jr. and his family had a family meeting yesterday, and Rice Jr. made his college choice as well as his verbal pledge to Northern Illinois University.

"I was really trying to sort things out, and tonight I have made my college decision," Rice Jr. said. "I have given Northern Illinois University my verbal commitment."

Rice Jr. gave us details on why he decided on the Huskies.

"I had a home visit yesterday from the entire NIU defensive coaching staff, and that was really impressive. They showed me all along that they really wanted me in DeKalb and that they wanted me to be a part of the NIU program. I really made my choice a few nights ago, but with all of the phone calls back and forth it wasn't totally clear until I sat down with my family and talked things out. I told them that I really liked Northern Illinois, and they were very happy because they really liked NIU too without trying to influence me at all. That's when I knew that NIU was the place for me so I committed to the coaches tonight."

"I really like where the NIU program is headed. They have had great success on the field over the last few years, and that was one of several factors for me. I really like the chemistry between the coaches and the players at NIU, and they also have a great business program. I also think that I have a chance to get some early playing time, plus my family will get to see me play in college."

Rice Jr. gave some serious thought and consideration towards both Toledo and Minnesota before verballing to the Huskies.

"Toledo really gave me something to think about, and also Minnesota made a home visit last night and talked about me making an official visit soon. I'm just glad that I'm heading to play for NIU and so is my family. It was a difficult decision to make, and it too me longer than I thought to make my final choice."

"I'm a solid verbal commit to Northern Illinois University."