Anderson to follow in father's footsteps at Northwestern

Northwestern is hoping that Drake Anderson's apple doesn't fall too far from his father's tree. Because if the running back has a career anywhere close his famous dad's, the Wildcats will be thrilled.

Anderson, the son of former Wildcat great Damien Anderson, committed to Northwestern during his official visit over the weekend, reports Richard Obert of AZCentral.com.

The Chandler (Ariz.) star is the 16th member of Northwestern’s Class of 2018 and is expected to sign on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

Anderson's commitment to Northwestern seemed like destiny since the Wildcats offered him in early November. After all, his father is one of the best players in Northwestern history.

Damien Anderson played at NU from 1998-2001 and was a consensus first-team All-America in 2000. He was the program’s all-time leading rusher with 4,485 yards until Justin Jackson eclipsed his record earlier this season.

Drake Anderson chose Northwestern over Illinois, the only other Power Five program on his offer list. He took an official visit to Illinois on the weekend of Dec. 8 and followed that up with the visit to Northwestern over the weekend that sealed his decision.

Because hip surgeries wiped out his sophomore and junior seasons, Anderson didn’t attract any scholarship offers until this season. He had a monster year for Chandler, averaging 9.3 yards per carry and rushing for 2,009 yards and 32 touchdowns.

He ran the ball a career-high 35 times for 198 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Wolves to a 49-42 win over Gilbert Perry in the Arizona Class 6A title game.

Anderson is the second running back in Northwestern’s class, joining three-star Isaiah Bowser of Sidney (Ohio).

Northwestern will lose running backs Jackson and Auston Anderson to graduation after the Wildcats play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 29.