Kuhar adds a fourth star

Defensive tackle commit Greg Kuhar picked up a fourth star from Rivals today, making him Northwestern's second four-star recruit of the Pat Fitzgerald era.

The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder from Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward had been a three-star but picked up a fourth star today, in Rivals' latest re-evaluation. He is also ranked 43rd in the country among defensive tackles, and is the 41st-best prospect overall in Ohio.

Fitzgerald's only other four-star recruit was junior tackle Patrick Ward, in 2009.

Leading the charge for a fourth star for Kuhar was Rivals Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Hemholdt. Hemholdt saw Kuhar play on Oct. 29, against Cleveland St. Ignatius, and was impressed with his play, ranking him as the second-best prospect he saw that weekend, behind only Michigan commit and St. Edward teammate Kyle Kalis.

"Coming into Saturday's game I knew Kuhar was a great wrestler, but was not sure whether that translated over to the gridiron," wrote Hemholdt. "Listed at 6-3 and 265, Kuhar is probably playing closer to 285 pounds right now. His frame is ideal for the nose tackle position, and he plays with great strength, excellent technique and a non-stop motor. Kuhar was in constant motion, made several tackles along the sidelines and was chasing plays down across the field. The wrestling background comes through in the way Kuhar handles offensive linemen and double teams. He understands the importance of positioning and staying low, and he knows how to move his opponent's body. St. Ignatius did not have the biggest offensive line, but they were well coached. Kuhar regularly saw double teams, and did a great job splitting the two blockers and making his way into the backfield play after play. He has a chance to go to Northwestern and make an immediate impact."

Kuhar committed to Northwestern in August, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Michigan, Iowa, Boston College, Vanderbilt and West Virginia, among others.

Northwestern is still in the hunt for four other four-star prospects. Defensive end Faith Ekakitie and linebackers Ifeadi Odenigbo, Abner Logan and Quanzell Lambert all have Northwestern among their final schools.