Anthony Cassioppi has given a verbal commitment to wrestle for Northwestern University. He is one of the best juniors in the country and is ranked No. 29 on the class of 2018 Big Board.

This commitment shows Northwestern coach Matt Storniolo's desire to keep the best kids in Illinois from leaving the state. It is the Monk of Funk's second big verbal from a junior in the past two weeks, as Michael Beard also committed to the Wildcats.

Cassioppi has an extensive resume and success in all three styles. He was third in the state last year as a heavyweight for Hononegah high school and made the Fargo junior freestyle finals back in July. While the weight does not compete at the world championships, Cassioppi won the 125kg UWW Cadet bracket in Akron (in both styles) and will be a favorite to make the junior team going forward.

Aside from his success on the mat, where he was third in both styles in Fargo as a cadet in 2012, Cassioppi also plays both sides of the ball for his high school football team and is an accomplished boxer. He will be going for his third Dvorak title this year. Check out his pin in the semifinals of last year's tournament below.