Northwestern a "Dream Come True" for Class of 2022 TE Commit Chris Petrucci
When Chris Petrucci, a 6'5", 210-pound tight end out of Maine South (Ill.) received an offer to play under head coach Pat Fitzgerald in Evanston, committing to the Wildcats was an easy decision. In fact, Petrucci announced his loyalty to the Northwestern squad on April 21st, just one day after receiving a scholarship offer.
Petrucci sat down with Sports Illustrated Wildcats Daily Publisher Lauren Withrow to break down his commitment decision and plans for the future.
“It was always one of those top schools for me," Petrucci said of Northwestern. "Once I finally got that offer, I already knew a lot about the campus, the type of school, and the people that are involved with the program. It was a no brainer. I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity, so that’s why I ended up taking it right after they offered.”
Petrucci grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois—only about 30 minutes outside of Evanston. Naturally, he grew up making frequent trips to watch the Wildcats in action and developed an affinity for the program at a young age.
“Being so close definitely helped a lot. Always being able to go to the games, see the campus, and root for the team definitely helped me form a connection over time. It’s been a great thing to be close.”
However, Petrucci won't be rocking a purple and white uniform solely because of the proximity to his home. For the tight end, forming strong relationships with coaches and members of the program was paramount.
"For me, it didn’t really matter where [the school] was," Petrucci said of his decision process. "What mattered to me was the type of people who are there and what they have to offer—football and academics. With all that combined, it really just seemed like Northwestern was the perfect place for me.”
Petrucci said that those at the helm of the Wildcats' program, particularly Fitzgerald and tight ends coach Bob Heffner, left a lasting impression on him and made his commitment decision that much easier.
“Coach Fitzgerald and Coach Heffner are definitely the ones I talk to the most. They always left a good impression on me every time I talked to them. That was definitely a big part of my decision, getting to know them. They’re great guys to be working under.”
Petrucci is working closely with his future coaches, particularly Heffner, in developing his skills before he steps onto campus next fall.
“I’m definitely going to be playing more as a blocker role [at Northwestern]. At Maine South I play more of a receiver type position. Transitioning from receiver to tight end at Northwestern will be a little bit different, but I’m definitely going to try to work at it this year.”
One thing that Petrucci looks forward to at the next level is participating in inter-squad competition and earning the opportunity to take the field. More so, the rising-senior is eager to work alongside his equally-driven teammates.
"I think we’ve got a lot of good guys in that room," Petrucci said. "I’ve talked to some of them and they’re so supportive of each other. Everyone wants the best. I'm really just looking forward to competing with all the top tier guys.”
As for the Class of 2022 commits as a collective, Petrucci says the group has already formed a brotherhood. The first three athletes to verbally commit to Northwestern include Petrucci, WR Reggie Fleurima, and TE Danny "Deuce" McGuire. Because each member of this trio is a product of Illinois, the group has already become fairly close.
“We talk a bunch. Me and Reggie [Fleurima] were the first two [to commit to Northwestern], and then Deuce McGuire as well. Us first three being in state guys, we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well. So that’s a really great thing to have. Then also, all these new guys coming in, we’re starting to form relationships with them. It’s a really awesome thing.’
As for the makeup of the recruiting class, Petrucci says that it's diverse yet each player possess an inherently similar intangible—a deep-rooted love for football.
“Everyone fits in well. Everyone’s different but everyone’s the same at the same time. We always bond over football. It’s going be really great to meet these guys in person. After COVID is ending and we’re actually able to see each other and get on campus…I’m ready for that.”
As for getting to the next level, Petrucci is highly motivated. What keeps him going, he says, is as follows:
"The striving passion to get better every day. To work on your craft and get to that next level, I think that’s what does it for me.”
Petrucci wants fans to know that he plans on taking that motivation and putting it to work towards a greater goal: a Big Ten Championship.
“We’re obviously going to work hard in the classroom. But just as hard as we work in the classroom, we’re going to work to bring that Big Ten Championship to Northwestern.”