It’s hard to believe it’s taken four games for Griffin Wilde to record his first touchdown with Northwestern.
Late in the second quarter during Saturday’s 17-14 win over UCLA, Wilde scored on a short pass over the middle on a 10-yard pass from Preston Stone. Just before the touchdown reception, Wilde put the Wildcats into the redzone with a 25-yard catch deep down the right side on a drive that ultimately went 64 yards on just five plays.
Wilde finished the game with seven catches for 98 yards. Through the first four games, he’s hauled in 22 catches for 311 yards. Wilde credited his coaches with his performance against UCLA.
“I thought just the preparation that was from this week,” said Wilde. “I mean, the coaches do a great job of putting the guys on offense to have success.”
From FCS to B1G
It’s no surprise that Wilde is playing a big role with Northwestern after being the top receiver for South Dakota State the previous two years.
His freshman season saw Wilde record 20 catches for 399 yards and six touchdowns. His production jumped in his sophomore season as he finished his FCS career with 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns off 71 catches.
But to Wilde, nothing has changed from a football perspective.
“Yeah, I’d say it’s kind of the same mentality,” Wilde said following Saturday’s win over UCLA. “I would say as a competitor, you want to be the best no matter where you’re at. So, just having that mindset that you belong and the confidence in yourself that you can make plays, regardless of where you’re at, is something that’s very important.”
Northwestern head coach David Braun, who first arrived in Evanston in early 2023 from the FCS level himself, echoed Wilde’s own words in his Monday press conference.
“I think it’s one of those things, like you clearly acknowledge that you’re playing in the best league in all of college football, but also an understanding that it’s still football,” Braun said. “And I think the thing that I’ve seen out of Griffin that I really appreciate is just the way that he operates throughout the off season, spring ball, fall camp, his routine, his preparation and he’s just like not cocky at all, but very internally competitive and confident in his ability.”
Words of praise
Wilde has made a big impact on his teammates and built strong chemistry on the offense, especially with quarterback Stone.
A transfer from SMU himself, Stone clearly has a favorite target in Wilde and sings his praises.
“Griffin’s the man,” Stone said following the UCLA win. “He’s a special dude. You know, I’ve been blessed to play with some really good receivers since I’ve been in college, like Rasheed Rice and Danny Gray, and Griffin’s right up there. He’s one of the best receivers I’ve ever thrown to, and I’m really lucky that we – we’re really lucky that we have him on our team.”
These words from Stone were once again echoed by the Northwestern coach on Monday.
“The level of trust that he’s built up with his entire offense, all his teammates, and specifically Preston Stone is something that stands out,” Braun said. “And I know he’s not surprised in the way that he’s performing. There’s no one on this staff that is either. I mean, we see it every day in practice.”
One-man show
While Wilde has been proving himself worthy of being the Wildcats’ top target, he is also shouldering much of the work for the Northwestern receivers room.
Stone finished Saturday’s win with 12 completed passes, but seven of them were to Wilde. The rest were spread between Hunter Welcing (1), Hayden Eligon II (1), Joseph Himon II (1) and Drew Wagner (2) for a combined total of just 17 yards.
“You know, definitely doing my part of when there’s an opportune time to get them the ball,” said Stone. “Definitely doing my part and hitting them in stride, giving them accurate throws, and, you know, Griffin’s been our guy for the first four games, but I have just as much confidence in those guys and the rest of the room, so, going forward we’re going to be leaning on that whole room.”
Braun said his receivers continue to elevate and grow into their positions, but many have been dinged up since fall camps which hasn’t allowed for them to build that timing and chemistry with Stone.
“Griff has been the most consistent participant in practice throughout spring, summer, fall camp and throughout the season,” said Braun. “Now with guys being back a little bit longer with Drew and Hayden, you hope that that starts to show up, that timing, that rhythm starts to show up.”
Next up, the Wildcats host ULM on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 p.m.
