Niemann switches to Iowa

Ben Niemann is currently on a bus with his church youth group headed to Florida for a mission trip this month. Before leaving home in Illinois however, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Niemann made a major decision on his college future. He switched his verbal commitment from Northern Illinois to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

"I committed to Iowa last night," said Niemann.

The situation has been an interesting one to follow because Niemann's father, Jay, is the defensive coordinator at Northern Illinois. Ben committed to NIU early on in the recruiting process, but still went to a few camps this summer, including Iowa's where he quickly earned a scholarship offer after working out at a new position, outside linebacker.

Niemann, whose father actually played at Iowa State in the early 80's, has spent the past month weighing the pros and cons of the two schools. Also, he was looking at which position he wants to play in college because while Iowa liked him on defense, NIU projected him to play wide receiver, which is where he earned all-state honors at as a junior with 53 catches for 884 yards and 13 touchdowns for Sycamore High School.

In the end, the chance to play at Iowa and in the Big Ten Conference won out for Niemann, but the circumstances being what they are, it is not something he is ready to discuss quite yet.

"With the situation the way it is, at this time my family and I have decided that I'm not going to answer any questions on my decision," Niemann said.

Still, Niemann says his mind is made up and there is no looking back as this time his decision is final.

"I am 100% committed to Iowa," said Niemann.

Niemann is commitment No. 12 for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Class of 2014.