Ankeny Centennial tight end Chase Schutty will be joining the Northern Illinois football program as a preferred walk-on.
Schutty becomes the third player from Ankeny in the Class of 2024 to commit to the Huskies. Centennial running back Elijah Porter, whose brother Trey is already on the NIU roster, and Ankeny receiver Devon Akers previously committed to the program.
“Being able to go play at the next level with two of my really good friends was definitely a plus,” said Schutty.
Schutty caught 22 passes for 390 yards and nine touchdowns this fall. He tied for fifth in Class 5A in receiving touchdowns while helping the Jaguars to a 7-5 record and a trip to the Class 5A semifinals.
Schutty was named to the Class 5A all-state first team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. He was a repeat selection to the all-district first team in District 1.
Schutty called it a tough decision.
“I looked at many other schools, but had to make a really hard decision and ended up at NIU because of the culture they have and the opportunity they provided for me was the perfect fit for me and my family,” he said. “I like all the coaches. They do a good job of developing kids from freshmen, and they make NIU feel like a home.”