OL Ramon Diaz pulls the trigger

Morris, Ill., offensive line prospect Ramon Diaz (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) ended his recruiting process late Thursday night when he gave Northwestern University his verbal commitment.

"I called the coaches at Northwestern tonight and gave them my verbal commitment," Ramon Diaz said. "Over the last several weeks and months I was considering a lot of different schools, and when I sat down and looked at the entire picture with my family Northwestern made the most sense to me. I'm thrilled to have my recruiting process over with, and I'm very happy to have given my verbal commitment to Northwestern University."

Diaz talked about why he eventually verballed to the Wildcats tonight.

"When you look at the big picture, Northwestern offers the best fit for me both athletically as well as academically. I really found it very hard to pass up such a great opportunity with the Wildcats. The academic side was very important to myself and my family, and a degree from Northwestern means a lot in the real world. I also like the fact that the Wildcats program I feel is heading in the right direction on the field. I can't say enough good things about the coaching staff at Northwestern. They are great guys and I'm really excited to get a chance to play for them next fall."

"Northwestern is basically recruiting me as a lineman for either side of the ball. The coaches really like my overall speed and agility, and they feel that I could either stay at my current weight and play defensive line, or they could bulk me up to play on the offensive line. Personally, either position is fine with me. I just want to play and contribute."

"I was really blessed to have as many opportunities as I had from other schools, and I'm thankful to each and every program that showed me recruiting interest. It's hard for me to tell other coaches that I've decided not to play for them. I just hope that they understand that Northwestern is just the best fit for me."

"I'm really happy to have this all finished now. I'm now going to put all of my attention and focus towards helping us win a state title this fall."

Diaz will take an official visit to Northwestern in early December, and Diaz will cancel previously set visits to Indiana and Michigan State.

Diaz had scholarship offers from Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Central Michigan and Miami of Ohio.