Northwestern's quest to build out its skill position group continues as the 'Cats work to secure their 2028 recruiting class. Yesterday, head coach David Braun submitted an offer to three-star tight end Koleman Hendrix. The player himself announced the offer via a post to his X account.
In recent seasons, the 'Cats have had plenty of tight ends capable of blocking, but they haven't had big-time receiving threats. Hunter Welcing last year was decent, but he still didn't even post 300 yards receiving.
That's been an issue for the Wildcats -- being unable to provide their transfer quarterbacks with a quality security blanket over the middle of the field. In recruiting, finding players who project to fill that role is important.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 225 lbs, Hendrix has the frame to fit that mold and the ability to get there through development. As a three-star recruit, he should also be right in Braun and Northwestern's wheelhouse.
According to 247Sports, Hendrix is an unranked prospect. But Rivals, which tends to be slightly faster at updating than 247, already has him listed as a three-star with multiple teams having submitted offers.
Per the site, Northwestern is up against some other power-four competition in the form of Kansas State, SMU, Arizona, Utah and Arizona State. As of right now, Rivals predicts that Hendrix will land with Kansas State, and Arizona is a close second. But it hasn't included Northwestern in its calculus just yet.
Both of those schools boast solid programs, but Northwestern should have every opportunity to compete with them in recruiting. They aren't blue bloods like Alabama or Michigan, and Hendrix is a three-star. There's no reason to think the Wildcats will be outclassed.
Another school to keep your eye on, though, is SMU. Often, it can be difficult to persuade high school recruits to leave their home state if they have a quality offer from an in-state institution. SMU provides that for Hendrix, so they will always be a threat.
It is also possible that Hendrix's recruitment heats up and Northwestern is, ultimately, outclassed by a new entrant. Because this player is in the 2028 class, there's still plenty of time for him to make his decision -- not all players from the 2027 class are committed just yet.
As Braun and Northwestern look to build this roster in the new era of college football, developmental projects will be important. In order to have the opportunity to turn players like Hendrix into quality starters, though, you first have to convince them to come to your university. That's the process the staff will undertake now.