Long makes it 11
Running back Warren Miles Long committed to Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald on Friday to become the 11th member of the Wildcats' Class of 2013.
The three-star prospect from Union City (Calif.) James Logan chose Northwestern over offers from Colorado, Oregon State, Fresno State and Army, and interest from several Pac-12 programs.
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He is the second running back of the class, joining fellow Californian Xavier Menifield, who committed last week.
"Football won't last forever, but my education is priceless," Long said, according to his father, Warren Long.
Northwestern was the first program to offer Long, way back in February. He said that the early interest played a big role in his decision to become a Wildcat.
"It was probably the coaching staff and how they welcomed me like no other school," Long told the Contra Costa Times about the reasons for choosing Northwestern.
Long visited Evanston in April, when he told WildcatReport that he felt like he fit in well on NU's campus.
"Northwestern is great, really great," he said at the time. "There's not one bad thing I can say about it. They have one of the highest graduation rates in Division I, and I'm a nerd, so I like things like that."
As the single tailback in the Colts' spread-pistol, option-read attack, Long has run for more than 2,800 yards over the past two seasons. In 2011, he rushed for 1,314 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading the Colts to a 10-1 record.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder also runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash.
"I guess my strength is that I'm an all-around back," said Long after his visit. He added that NU coaches feel he could "come in and be a dynamic back with big-play ability."
Log onto WildcatReport for more on Long's commitment.