Pennants hang from the ceiling of Lutheran North High School's counseling center. Row upon row of universities, colleges and service academies are represented. All potential destinations for current Crusaders.
Jack Buford sat beneath the pennants Wednesday afternoon and, like so many others, made his choice. Unlike so many other Crusaders, he did it in front of the media, assembled family, friends and had it broadcast live on the internet.
Unlike so many other area football talents, Buford decided to stay home. Lutheran North's highly rated senior offensive lineman verbally committed to the University of Missouri.
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Buford pulled a gold hat from under the table, fixed it upon his head and told the world he wants to be a Tiger, words no area high school recruit has uttered the last two years.