Wheaton North running back Mike Trumpy has been offered a scholarship by Northwestern and it appears likely that the 6-0, 197-pound running back, who was named to the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area team in November, will make an oral commitment in the spring.

I think it's a good decision. By the spring, Trumpy will have time to weigh all of his options. If Northwestern is the best choice, he should know by then. He should be able to make an educated decision and shouldn't be tempted to de-commit down the road.

Northwestern is a good fit for him, academically and athletically. The Wildcats need tailbacks and Trumpy fills the bill. I like him a lot. He has good vision and moves and more speed than people give him credit for.

In preparation for his appearance at the U.S. Army combine on Jan. 5-6 in San Antonio, he has been working out with Wheaton North track coach Don Helberg. He recently was timed in four consecutive 40-yard dashes on an indoor track while wearing running shoes (not spikes) in 4.41, 4.45, 4.47 and 4.55 seconds.

Trumpy will be one of several Chicago area juniors who are scheduled to participate in the Texas combine. Others include running back Dominique Bell and defensive end Craig Drummond of Morgan Park, defensive linemen Scott Covert of Lake Forest and Lendell Buckner of Leo, linebackers Jake Juriga of St. Charles North and Marty Hopkins of St. Rita, offensive linemen Cody O'Neill of Marian Central and Pat Ward of Providence, quarterbacks Jordan Roberts of Aurora Christian and Charlie Goro of Maine South, running back Robert Morgan of Leo and fullback Tyler Burns and linebacker Luke Anderson of Lemont.

Another invitee is sophomore offensive lineman Chris Lombard of Fremd.

It is a great opportunity for all of them to get big-time exposure to college scouts and to compare their skills to some of the best players in the nation.