Lincoln-Way East High School Griffins quarterback Tom Fuessel has re-opened his college recruiting after orally committing to Northern Illinois University earlier in the year, according to a Nov. 27 report by Sun-Times Media.

NIU’s Coach Dave Doeren was the first to give Fuessel the opportunity to play Division 1 football, and Sun-Times Media reports that Fuessel is still considering Northern.

According to the report, Fuessel’s hesitation stemmed from concern that NIU’s successful 12-1 season could cause Doeren to leave the Huskies for a more prominent college football program.

Doeren announced on Dec. 1 that he will leave NIU to take a head coaching position at North Carolina State University, according to a release from Northern. Doeren’s departure is effective immediately.

Prior to Doeren’s announcement, Sun-Times Media reported that Fuessel wanted to explore possible interest from BCS level schools based on his performance during the Griffins’ 2012-13 season, which ended with a loss to Glenbard West in the Class 7A state championships.

At 6 feet, 3 inches and 180 pounds, Fuessel rushed for 1,502 yards and 21 touchdowns, and passed for 1,141 yards and eight scores for East, according to Sun-Times Media.

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