There will be plenty of Hub Pride on display at North Central College next year. Senior football players James Hart and William Jandak have already committed to the Cardinals, and senior Eddie Villalobos became the most recent Rochelle student-athlete to make his pledge after announcing his commitment on Twitter this past week.

Villalobos revealed he will be playing football and wrestling for the Cardinals next season, becoming the first RTHS athlete to commit to multiple sports programs at one school. Villalobos said he plans to study business and pursue a career in the Chicagoland area after completing his education.

“Naperville has always been a place I’ve wanted to live,” Villalobos said. “When I visited the campus for both sports, it just felt like home to me, and the coaches and players were people I felt I could connect with. The school’s winning culture is something I want to be a part of... I’m looking forward to working hard and soaking up the competition and the new environment.”

Villalobos compiled over 1,000 yards for the Rochelle varsity football program this past season, leading the Hubs with 17 total touchdowns as an offensive and special teams standout. The senior started on defense as well, spending time at both safety and outside linebacker.

“Eddie is a great competitor,” Rochelle head football coach Kyle Kissack said. “His will to compete sets him apart. He’s one of those kids you want to have on your side of the field. He has a ton of ability in multiple athletic environments, which speaks to his success at RTHS. He is a true game-changer, and that ability will serve him well at North Central College.”

Villalobos took home All-Conference First Team recognition at linebacker his junior season, and he was named an All-Conference First Team running back this year. He also received Rochelle’s Hackett Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player. He said he feels comfortable wherever North Central College wants him to play on the football field.

“I think playing football at Rochelle has helped me a lot because I’ve had the privilege to be coached by [Kevin] Crandall and [Kyle] Kissack. Both coaches have pushed me beyond my limits, and when I thought I had nothing left in me, they both pushed me to go find a way and keep grinding for every inch.”

Villalobos finished his wrestling career as one of Rochelle’s most accomplished competitors, reaching the IHSA Individual State Championships three times and becoming the first Hub in school history ever to do so. He medaled in fifth place as a junior before helping the Hubs take fourth in the IHSA Dual State Championships in 2018, finishing with a 47-7 individual record.

The senior currently ranks first all-time in season takedowns (166), season wins (47 tied with Alex Harvey) and season technical falls (6) at RTHS. He said he plans to compete at either 149 or 157 pounds with the Cardinals.

“When we took fourth at the dual state championships, I realized what it takes to get to team state and what the wrestling room culture needs to be like,” Villalobos said. “I want to become a better wrestler on top, and I need to be able to wrestle all three periods because times go up at the college level.”