As Northwestern football entered its spring practices in March, one position on the roster that appeared to exude some promise and stability was at quarterback.
While the collective metrics of the Wildcats’ men under center were very subpar last year, optimism was generated in the form of incoming junior Brendan Sullivan. In the five games he played in 2022, Sullivan displayed athleticism, improvisation, mobility and arm talent — particularly closing his year strong in Minneapolis, notching an 86.7 PFF passing grade against the Golden Gophers. However, a hit in the second quarter of that November matchup broke Sullivan’s sternum, which knocked him out for the remaining contests of 2022.