UPDATE: David and Andrew Dowell de-committed from Northwestern. Northwestern commits David Dowell and Andrew Dowell are “checking other [schools] out,” Andrew told PurpleWildcats.com on Monday evening.

Dave Berk of Scout.com first reported the rumblings this week.

The Lakewood (OH) standouts were considered the jewel of the 2015 recruiting class. Losing the two — who are considered a package deal — would be a major setback.

Andrew said that they informed Pat Fitzgerald about their intentions, given the “amount of respect” they have for him. Andrew, a four-star receiver, and David, a four-star defensive back, are very likely to end ties to the program.

Per usual Pat Fitzgerald policy, this would signify an official de-commitment from the program. The NU head coach expects loyalty, using the phrase: If you’re committed, you’re committed.

Still, losing his top two recruits hurts his team—which had so much momentum during the process. They have solid talent including Ohio DT Jordan Thompson and California DE Trent Goens.

No school in the country, though, can bear losing two four-star players this late in the cycle. It would force Northwestern to find another running back — and perhaps one or two more defensive backs — to finish its class.

NU dealt with its de-commitments last year well. They landed pledges from guys including James Prather and Jared McGee to complete a solid class.

We’ll have an update as to the status of their commitment, and whether it’s a soft verbal or complete de-commitment.

NU knows it can recover, but of course, this would hurt.