Jaiduan Cranford will play Division-I college football.
The Metamora running back announced on social media Wednesday morning he has verbally committed to Northern Illinois. He held offers from NIU, Illinois State, Washington State and South Dakota.
“COMMITED!!! let’s work,” the all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team selection posted on X.com.
Cranford took a visit to Northern Illinois on June 5 and was offered a scholarship by head coach Thomas Hammock. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound senior-to-be ran for 955 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2024 season.
In 33 career games, Cranford has rushed for 2,282 yards and 26 touchdowns. During this past track season, Cranford was a Class 2A state qualifier in the 100-meter dash (10.76 seconds, ninth place) and the ninth-place 4×100-meter relay finisher.
“(Coaches) love my speed, and the way I can break a touchdown loose with my change of direction,” Cranford told the Journal Star in May. “They just have always been watching me and looking out for me, so now they’re just finally giving me the chance.”
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Metamora running back chooses in-state Division-I college football program
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
