Northwestern lands three-star RB Anthony Tyus III
Northwestern is moving in and setting up shop in the state of Michigan during this 2021 recruiting cycle. The Wildcats landed their fourth offensive prospect from the state on Thursday when Portage Northern three-star running back Anthony Tyus III announced his commitment.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Northwestern was the most recent of Tyus’ 16 total scholarship offers, coming through in mid-April. The timing of the offer, coming in the middle of college visits being shut down, means Tyus was not able to visit the Wildcat’s Evanston campus for himself. Northwestern coaches organized a call with Tyus, his parents and members of the staff that helped bridge the gap and give the family comfort with the program. Tyus was also able to connect with quarterback commit Brendan Sullivan, who is also from Michigan, and the two have become fast friends, even talking about potentially rooming together when they get to Evanston. When Tyus will start his Northwestern career has not yet been determined because enrolling mid-year is still an option.
IN HIS WORDS
“Northwestern was the best choice for me because it fit every want I (had) in finding a school. When I talked to the running backs coach he quickly developed a good relationship with not just me, but also my dad. Then, my future head coach, coach Fitz (Pat Fitzgerald), he just really seemed down to earth, excited, he really wanted me to be part of the program and was invested in me.
“The offensive coordinator and the running backs coach talked to me and said, ‘based on your film, we see you as a three-down running back.’ They really think I’ll fit great in their system.”
SCOUTING REPORT
I think the national perception of Northwestern’s offense is one of smaller, speedier players. The Wildcats definitely recruit smaller, more agile offensive linemen, but when it comes to the running back position they value powerful runners who do not go down on first contact. That was the scouting report for guys like Justin Jackson and Jeremy Larkin, and that also describes Tyus’ style to a T. Tyus is not going to win many 100-meter dashes, but running backs rarely have to. When it comes to the running back position I am more interested in shuttle time than 40 time, and Tyus is quick when it counts. I covered both Jackson and Larkin extensively in high school as well, and I particularly like the comparison to Jackson. He also was not a sprinter type, but the former four-star was quick and powerful and went on to become Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher. If Tyus can follow in those footsteps, then this is certainly a momentous day for the Wildcats' program.