Clinton-Earl commits to Huskies

Cameron Clinton-Earl, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound senior defensive end from Sussex (Wisc.) Hamilton, has given a verbal commitment to Northern Illinois, Hamilton coach John Damato confirmed.

Clinton-Earl chose the Huskies over scholarship offers from Illinois State, North Dakota and South Dakota. He also continues to receive interest from several Big Ten schools, including Michigan State and Wisconsin.

But Damato said that "no matter what happens he'll end up at Northern Illinois. He's a man of his word."

"He really felt it was a smaller school with a big-time football atmosphere," Damato said. "He really liked that."

Clinton-Earl is the sixth Class of 2011 prospect to commit to the Huskies and the second from Wisconsin, joining Menasha offensive lineman Foster Bush.

The latest Huskies commit had a breakout junior season, accumulating 37 tackles, 17 hurries, five sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass knockdowns. He's also a standout track athlete, placing fourth in the 110-meter hurdles at the Wisconsin state track and field meet with a time of 14.58 seconds. He also placed 23rd in the shot put.

- Jeremy Werner