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Four-star defensive end Devin O’Rourke has committed to Northwestern. He is ranked the 20th best defensive end in the 2018 class.

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Northwestern likes to call itself “Chicago’s Big Ten Team.” That message must have gotten across to 4-star defensive end Devin O’Rourke, who announced his commitment to the Wildcats on Friday on Twitter.

“Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and teachers for all the support,” he wrote. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am now committed to play football at Northwestern University.”

O’Rourke hails from the Chicago suburb of Frankfort, where he is a star for Lincoln-Way East HS. At 6’6, 230 pounds, he’s rated the 20th top defensive end in the nation by Scout, and ranked 269th overall.

Northwestern is one of many Big Ten schools to offer O’Rourke a scholarship, joining Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. He also holds offers from Central Michigan, Syracuse, and Iowa State.

The commitment helps the Wildcats build some momentum after a season that ended with a disappointing 7-6 record, including a loss in their bowl game against Pittsburgh.

Pat Fitzgerald has the Wildcats thinking big things in Evanston, with a brand new 500,000 square foot facility opening next year and Northwestern looking to become a contender in the Big Ten West division.

MORE: Best Big Ten Football Recruits At Each Position In 2017 Class