Northwestern's football program occasionally produces high-level NFL talent. In recent years, offensive linemen like Peter Skoronski and Rashawn Slater have made a name for themselves in the league. The 'Cats don't churn out pros, but it happens.
It's rare, though, that a skill position player is drafted. Malik Washington is playing for the Dolphins, but he left for UVA before his senior season. Generally speaking, Northwestern doesn't produce successful NFL receivers.
But I'm starting to think NU might have a real stud in the building in sophomore wideout Hayden Eligon II. On Saturday against Minnesota, No. 80 put up a career-high 127 receiving yards on seven receptions. It was a spectacular performance.
The 'Cats have been looking for a weapon to separate himself from the pack and give Preston Stone another target besides Griffin Wilde. Eligon was that guy against the Gophers, and he's been the guy who's most often stepped up throughout the season.
Consistency has to come, and I understand that, but Eligon looks special out there. The 6-foot-4 California product is incredibly long, giving him the ability to make contested catches and physically dominate defenders. But he's also fast, using his long strides to cover ground quickly.
After the game, Braun talked about how Eligon is a player who wants the ball in his hands in big spots. He seemed impress with the young receivers mentality, especially after he was injured on the first play of the game playing special teams.
"He has that mentality of 'give me the ball' in a good way," Braun said. "That type of attitude and confidence and to see the rhythm that we saw between him and Stone was awesome."
Stone and Wilde also sang Elision's praises after his breakout performance.
"You saw his ability to go up and make a play when we needed it late in the game," Wilde said.
Eligon was a primary target on the offense's three touchdown drives in the second half to complete the comeback at Wrigley Field. Don't be surprised if he's earned a much higher percentage of the target share in future games.
Don't get me wrong, Wilde has earned his role as the No. 1 wideout on this team. He's been fantastic, and he was again vs. Minnesota. But Eligon is coming, and he will be a top option for this team at some point in future years.
The statistical output is starting to show up, but his potential has been clear for a while. Eligon is an athletic freak, and he's about to put fans, and the rest of the conference, on notice.
Read More Northwestern Wildcats Coverage
MORE: Intriguing 2026 Linebacker Commits to David Braun and Northwestern Wildcats
MORE: Martinelli, Page Help Northwestern Survive South Carolina Comeback
MORE: Northwestern Clinches Bowl Eligibility With 38-35 Win Over Minnesota
MORE: Three Takeaways From an Action-Packed Northwestern Win Over Minnesota, 38-35