College Football Recruiting: WWS RB Dan Vitale Top Recruit for Northwestern

Illinois 7A football powerhouse Wheaton Warenville South is known for producing Division I talent, like Big Ten players Reily O'Toole, Will Matte and Dan Conroy. 

Senior running back Dan Vitale will join his fellow Tigers as he was offered a scholarship to run as a Northwestern Wildcat for the next four years, as reported by ESPN's Scott Powers. 

Vitale, a 6'2", 210-pound athlete, is the top offensive player returning to the two-time 7A state champions. He had a statement game this past Friday against DuPage Valley Conference rival West Aurora (2-1, 0-1 DVC), going 179 yards on 24 carries for three touchdowns in a 20-6 victory. 

Vitale had 10 carries for 10 or more yards, including two for over 20. He also had three scores on a Blackhawks defense that allowed 13 points in two games prior to facing the Tigers. 

In the third quarter, Vitale ran on a right sweep for a 12-yard gain, and then thundered through West Aurora's defense up the middle for a 14-yard tally. 

After securing a one-yard touchdown run later that quarter, Vitale was dug up by a West Aurora linebacker. He left the game for a couple of plays due to a leg cramp, but later returned to bolt for a 28-yard touchdown where he broke two tackles. 

"You have to keep running hard for the guys you are playing with," said Vitale, who was the Chicago Tribune's Player of the Game. "I just wanted to get that score for them."

In his first two weeks, Vitale has had 72 total yards and a score on Aug. 28 against Glenbard West (3-0), the second best team in state. That game was nationally televised on ESPN2. 

Head coach Ron Muhitch said Vitale will be vitally important for the Tigers (1-2, 1-0 DVC) to have a chance to repeat this year. 

In the meantime, Vitale will continue to work hard this season in preparation for his dream school. 

Bob Bajek is a freelance reporter and can be followed at Patch.com and Twitter.