Howe thrilled with Northwestern offer

Kettering (Ohio) Archbishop Alter defensive tackle Kraig Howe holds several college offers, but receiving one from Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald earlier this week made his day.

"I was pumped when Coach Fitz gave me that news. It has been a great day," Howe said. "It is a great school, in an amazing conference and I am really excited to get to Chicago soon."

The 6-foot-3, 253-pound Howe has had Northwestern coaches Randy Bates and Marty Long recruiting him for several months, but he learned of the offer during a phone call with Fitzgerald.

"I called Coach Fitz, talked to him and loved what he had to say about what Northwestern is about," Howe said. "I do love what they are about - academically challenging and rewarding as much as athletically.

"It's something special because I like programs that recruit character and integrity as much as athletic ability. I respect that and I respect the coaching staff that brings those type of players into that team."

Four schools had previously offered Howe, and several more are showing interest. The offer from Northwestern, however, holds a special place on his list.

"It's tough to go away from a school like Northwestern when they offer you," Howe said. "When you have a school like that, it's always on your mind. I am excited to get to know the coaching staff and get around the program more."

Howe is currently involved in basketball for his Archbishop Alter team, so he will be unable to make it to the Wildcat's junior day.

"Talking with Coach Long and Coach Fitzgerald, they want me to come up another time, probably in the spring after basketball season so I can get around the guys and the team," Howe said. "They recruited me, now I have to see if this is where I belong, so I am going to get up in the spring and check it out."

Howe previously made an unofficial visit to Northwestern on Oct. 5 to take in the Wildcat's home contest against Ohio State.

While the offer from Northwestern was the big news of the week for Howe, he also was paid visits by several more coaches.

"It has been busy," Howe said. "Coach [Alex] Golesh from Illinois has been around a lot. Pitt has been around a lot too. Miami (Ohio) came in recently. Schools like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana have been in."

The offer from Northwestern joins previous offer from Illinois, Pitt, Miami (Ohio) and Toledo for the three-star prospect.