Bearcat Football’s Schilke Commits to Northern Illinois

KEARNEY – Kearney Football will have a Division I linebacker manning their defense for the upcoming 2024 season, as Class of 2025’s Sawyer Schilke announced his commitment to Northern Illinois Football on Monday.

Schilke, currently a junior, recorded 58 total tackles in 2023 including 32 solo stops. The speedy linebacker was also a major factor in the backfield, recording 10 tackles for loss while being a Class A leader in sacks with five.

During his first year as a starter, Schilke recorded 54 total tackles including 23 solo stops as a sophomore in 2022. He also forced a fumble and had five tackles for loss.

The 6’3″, 230 pound linebacker routinely lined up as an edge rusher for the Bearcats, but also played middle linebacker for the Bearcats.

Schilke has also been a premier athlete on the mat, finishing sixth as a freshman at the Nebraska State Wrestling championships while ending his tournament run in the semifinals this past February as a junior.

Kearney’s Sawyer Schilke at Nebraska Football, Courtesy Husker Online

Nebraska Football had shown interest in Schilke, as the Kearney native appeared on the sidelines for several Husker games this past season. Shilke had also visited Kansas State and Minnesota, per his social media pages.

The Kearney High School Football season begins in late August hosting North Platte.