Northwestern may not have the football tradition of Michigan or Ohio State, but it does have one recruiting advantage over its Big Ten competitors.

If a player’s football career doesn’t pan out, at least he’ll be prepared for the rest of his life.

“If you get hurt the first day (in practice), you’ve got to be ready,” said 2003 NU recruit Trevor Rees — one of the top high school centers in the country. “A top 10 school in the nation is not going to do you wrong.”

Rees and the rest of the academically inclined 2003 recruiting class will be announced today by coach Randy Walker. NU expects to receive official commitments from 21 high school seniors.

Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming ranks the Wildcats’ class ninth in the Big Ten — ahead of Michigan State and Indiana. In the fall, NU finished 3-9 and 10th in conference with a 1-7 record, the lone win coming against Indiana.

“It’s not like they’re that far behind anyone else,” Lemming said. “Schools three through 11 are all very close.”

Lemming said he never has ranked NU higher than fifth in the Big Ten, but that hasn’t stopped the program from winning three conference championships in the past eight years.

“Most people aren’t giving it any credit,” Lemming said. “I know most of these players, and I think they’re pretty good. I’ll have (NU) in my top 50 (nationally) this year, for sure.”

This year’s class doesn’t have any high school superstars. The Cats aren’t expected to sign anyone as highly regarded nationally as defensive tackle Loren Howard was last year.

The Cats haven’t inked any players on Lemming’s list of the top 100 players, but they have put together a strong group of athletes. And many of them were drawn to NU by the combination of Big Ten football and top-tier academics.

Rees almost chose to attend Rice, but decided on NU because of the chance to play in one of the top football conferences in the country. And while Rees wasn’t always sure about NU, it was his parents’ top choice.

Rees also knows the Cats are graduating their starting center, Austin King.

“They said I can come and compete for the center position right away,” he said. “It’s just up to me to come and win it.”

Highly regarded cornerback Deante Battle weighed offers from Colorado, Notre Dame and Virginia but finally chose NU. The Fayetteville, Ga., native is nicknamed “Playboy” for his ability to make big plays on the field.

“He’s a very good athlete,” said Mike Earwood, his high school coach. “A hardworking kid and a good learner.”

Battle and Rees will be joined by offensive tackle Fred McConnell, a Michigan native. He wanted to play for the Wolverines but learned they already had more talented players at his position.

“I wasn’t disappointed about that,” he said. “I realize that colleges have to fill their rosters. It’s kind of like a business.”

Although McConnell said he hopes to one day play in the NFL, he’s realistic about his chances.

“My goal is of course to graduate in four or five years,” he said. “I want to become a doctor.”

While this year’s recruiting class is decent, NU will have to have a winning football season before they can once again attract top talent.

“The kids look at exciting football and the chance to be seen,” Lemming said. “Exposure on TV helps — and that’s what a winning record will do for you.”

Stanford may be able to attract strong football players even with a losing record, but they have an advantage over NU.

“They have a little more to offer with the weather,” Lemming said.