Illinois linebacker Cael Brezina is set to become the first FBS commit from his high school – Downers Grove North – to play college football in nearly a decade when he signs his letter of intent on December 20.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound commit is set to enroll early in Ames and participate in winter workouts with the team.
“It’s a really awesome feeling with signing day around the corner,” Brezina said. “I think it’s the first D1 football signing at my school since David Edwards who went to Wisconsin and is now in the NFL. It’ll be awesome to have my friends and family there as well.”
Brezina chose Iowa State over offers from Syracuse, Indiana, Marshall, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Air Force, Army, Northern Colorado, Lindenwood, Arizona Christian and Pennsylvania.
He also went on visits at both Kansas State and Duke during his recruitment, but ultimately landed as a Cyclone.
“I think my decision to go to Iowa State has been and still is mainly because of the relationships,” Brezina said. “However, it is cool now to be coming in at a great time for football, playing really well and fielding a very young team there.”
Iowa State sees Brezina fitting in around the Will and Mike linebacker positions, where players like fellow Illinois prospect Jack Sadowsky have thrived.
“They like my versatile skill set and the ability to get some pass rush at the linebacker spot,” Brezina said.
