SKOKIE, Ill. – Barrington Wade considered waiting until the fall to make his college choice. A big senior season could have meant more scholarship offers for the Skokie (IL) Niles North High standout.

The running back/linebacker decided to end his recruitment in June, however. He felt like Iowa was the place for him. And even though he’s had that big senior season he anticipated having, he continued to be happy to be a Hawkeye.

"(The relationship) is close. I love them," the 6-foot-1, 218-pounder said here Friday night after rushing for 232 yards on 33 carries against Glenbrook North. "I think that they’re great people."

Wade said he hoped Iowa would beat Northwestern on Saturday up the street from his hometown in Evanston. The Hawkeyes obliged with a 40-10 win to move to 7-0 and No. 12 in the AP Top 25.

Iowa has told Wade they will try him at running back when he arrives on campus next summer. The coaches also liked him at linebacker. He said he didn’t favor one position over the other.

"I just want to play, to be honest," he said.

Wade visited Iowa for its game against Illinois earlier this month. The stop confirmed to him that he fit well with the Hawkeyes.

"I think I can be very helpful to the team, to be honest. They’re hard workers and so am I," he said.

Wade works out fanatically. He intends to ratchet up his preparations after the season to prepare himself for the next level.

"I’m going to train harder. I’m going to eat healthier. I eat pretty healthy now. I just need to do even better," he said.

For the season, Wade has 1,428 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns.

Here’s our interview with the future Hawkeye: