MINOOKA — The Big Ten is regarded as one of the “power six” conferences in the nation, especially in football. Being recruited by any Big Ten team is impressive, and being offered a full ride scholarship by any of the 12 schools in the conference is an even bigger accomplishment.

Minooka senior offensive tackle Blake King accomplished that, as he verbally committed to a scholarship from Northwestern University to join their football program beginning in the fall of 2013. The 6-5, 260-pound lineman is Minooka’s first football Division I full ride scholarship since Zach Colvin went to Bowling Green in 2011.

It all started for King his freshman year, where he impressed a lot of coaches and players with his big frame. His sophomore year, however, proved to be a stand out year for the big man, as he caught the eyes of the varsity coaches, especially offensive line coach Frank Yudzentis.