Gerak pulls the trigger for NU

Northwestern landed its second Class of 2017 commit on Monday when three-star offensive lineman Sam Gerak pulled the trigger for the Wildcats.

The Avon (Ohio) standout announced his commitment on Twitter on Monday night:

After much consideration, I have committed to Northwestern University to further my academic and athletic careers! pic.twitter.com/1X8uL8KpfU- Sam Gerak (@GerakSam) December 22, 2015

Gerak, a 6-foot-3, 280-pounder, chose Northwestern over offers from Illinois, Syracuse, Iowa State, Rutgers, Bowling Green, Ohio and Toledo.

A big factor in Gerak's decision was Northwestern's academics. He maintains a GPA over 4.0 at Avon and scored a 34 on his ACT. He plans to study pre-med in college.

"I'm looking for a great academic reputation," he told WildcatReport earlier this year. "I don't want to a school whose diploma isn't respected."

Gerak visited Northwestern a total five times -- for a camp, a summer barbecue, two games and, most recently, on Dec. 12 for a bowl practice and an overnight stay in a dorm. He had glowing reviews of each visit, so his decision does not exactly come as a surprise.

Gerak, whose father John played offensive line at Penn State and in the NFL, will be an interior offensive lineman for the Wildcats. He joins three-star linebacker Blake Gallagher, who committed on Dec. 14, in Northwestern's class.

Offensive line coach Adam Cushing is Gerak's primary recruiter.

More to come from WildcatReport…