Northwestern offered 2019 quarterback Ryan Hilinski on Wednesday, just three games into his junior season. That may seem like an early offer, but in reality it’s been a long time coming.

Northwestern offensive coordinator Mick McCall was the first college coach to go out to Orange (Calif.) Lutheran to watch the three-star prospect throw, way back in January. Wildcat coaches wanted Hilinski to come to camp over the summer and all but promised him an offer if he did, but team camps and a busy schedule prevented Hilinski from making the trip.

However, Hilinski’s film this season was so impressive that the Wildcats went ahead and pulled the trigger anyway. In just three games, Hilinksi has thrown for 1,200 yards, with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions, and in his last outing he threw for 538 yards and four scores.

Hilinski, who holds a 4.0 GPA at Orange Lutheran, was more than happy to get his third Power Five offer and sixth overall.

“I’m super excited and super pumped,” he said.

Find out what else Hilinski had to say about Northwestern and his recruiting picture in this WildcatReport premium story.