Anthony Wilson
Northwestern may have resolved its quarterback question for the 2024 season on Thursday when the former Vanderbilt and Mississippi State signal-caller Mike Wright announced his commitment to the Wildcats. Wright is a dual-threat player with four years of SEC experience who should immediately compete for the starting job following the departure of presumptive starter Brendan Sullivan this spring.
Sullivan, who committed to Iowa on Wednesday, would be Northwestern’s leading returning passer on a team that finished 8-5. But when he entered the portal, second-year coach David Braun was left with an open spot on the depth chart that Wright should have fit perfectly into.
His main competition for the job could be Ryan Hilinski, who attempted 850 passes in five seasons at South Carolina and Northwestern. The other scholarship options are junior Jack Lausch and sophomore Aidan Gray, who have combined to attempt 11 career passes.
What sets Wright apart from the pack is his proven track record of hurting opponents with his arms and legs in the SEC. Although he owns a career completion percentage of just 55.5%, Wright has accumulated 1,229 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground during his career.
Dynamic offensive option
Dynamic quarterback play could be key for Northwestern, which is losing top receiver Cam Johnson from its 2023 roster. Although No. 2 and No. 3 receivers Bryce Kurtz and AJ Henning are back, the Wildcats don’t have the makings to an explosive passing attack after ranking 94th nationally in passing offense and 121st in total offense last season.
Wright’s mobility could unlock a new element for the Wildcats’ offense after Sullivan and fellow quarterback Ben Bryant combined for just 127 yards in 2023. The 6-foot-2 Wright often went into scramble mode and benefited from running plays designed during his time with the Commodores and Bulldogs. He totaled over 100 yards rushing three times while playing for Vanderbilt.
Quick study
Northwestern first-year offensive coordinator Zach Lujan spent the last seven seasons at FCS powerhouse South Dakota State, including the last two as offensive coordinator for teams that won back-to-back FCS national titles. The Jackrabbits’ dominance has come with a mobile quarterback, Mark Gronowski, who has scored 402 rushing yards with eight touchdowns on the ground in 2023. Gronowski has scored 408 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns in 2022.
Of the quarterbacks on Northwestern’s roster, Wright most closely resembles that skill set. But without the benefit of spring practice, he’ll need to quickly study Lujan’s scheme to win the job as the Wildcats open against defending MAC champion Miami (Ohio) before facing ACC foe Duke in Week 2.
