Simley’s Hazelett Commits to Northern Illinois

At least one member of last year’s Simley High football team will represent the squad at the National Letter of Intent signing table Feb. 1.

Spartans coach Rex King said Cody Hazelett, a 6-foot-2 linebacker and tight end for Simley, has verbally committed to continue his playing career and education at Northern Illinois University.

Hazelett is expected to play defense for the Huskies, the Mid-American Conference champions and winners of the recent GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Possibly joining Hazelett to officially accept a scholarship on National Signing Day is Darion Fletcher, an honorable mention All-State defensive back and receiver who is being recruited by a number of colleges, including Northern Iowa and North Dakota.

King, who led the Spartans to a 4-6 record in his first year as head coach last season, said it’s an honor for Simley to have its student-athletes recruited and signed by scholarship-awarding schools.

“It’s a sign we’re doing things the right way and we are moving in the right direction,” he said. “It says a lot about our coaching staff and a lot for our kids.”

CODY HAZELETT

Hazelett’s play on defense this past season—recording 80 tackles, including six sacks and 14 tackles for loss—caught the attention of a number of schools, among them South Dakota, Northern Iowa and recently crowned Football Championship Subdivision champ North Dakota State.

But, King said, Northern Illinois offered a scholarship first, and Hazelett jumped at the opportunity to play at the Bowl Championship Series school.

“Northern Illinois really did its homework on Cody,” King said. “They came up here and saw his work ethic and his skills. They were the first ones to the table with an offer, and Corey wanted to get the whole recruiting thing over with.”

During winter break, Hazelett—who also wrestles for Simley’s nationally ranked squad—missed a wrestling tournament so he could take his official recruiting visit to Northern Illinois. He liked what he saw at the DeKalb, IL school.

“Northern Illinois is getting a great player,” King said. “Cody made a good decision.”

DARION FLETCHER

While all that’s left for Hazelett to do is sign his letter of intent, Fletcher still is in the thick of the recruiting process.

King said Fletcher continues to be recruited by FCS division schools while weighing offers from NCAA Division II schools like Bemidji State and Minnesota-Crookston.

“He’s one of those bubble players,” King said. “Whether he goes to Division II or FBS, I’m confident he will find what fits for him.”

Fletcher excelled on both sides of the ball for the Spartans this past season, King said.

“He was a big player for us on offensive, when we were able to get him the ball,” he said. “He was our go-to guy once our players got into our system.”

But, it was on defense where Fletcher received his All-State accolades. Playing mostly cornerback, he recorded six interceptions.

“Everybody Darion,” said King. “He’s going to end up at a place that’s going to fit for him.”