Alabama QB Bennett Meredith commits to Northwestern
Birmingham (Ala.) Hoover consensus three-star quarterback Bennett Meredith committed Wednesday to Northwestern.
Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald offered Meredith on Tuesday night and the Alabama native committed on the spot.
He had previously visit Evanston, Ill., two weeks ago for Northwestern’s game against Rutgers.
Meredith told Al.com that Northwestern’s academic prowess and post-graduate opportunities were a big reason he committed to the Wildcats.
“For one, coach Fitz is one of the best head coaches in the country and just the opportunity to play for him was one I couldn’t pass up,” Meredith told Al.com. “Along with coach Fitz, the offensive scheme really fits well with what I do best. Everyone up at NU is special. It’s a really special place. The culture and energy are second to none.”
Meredith has led Hoover to a 10-0 record to start the season. This past weekend, he led the team to win over undefeated, two-time defending state champion Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson team.
The win pushed Hoover to No. 1 in the state. Meredith was the star of the game, finishing with 279 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22-for-37 passing. His final touchdown was a game-winning eight-yard throw with 14 seconds left in the game.
Bennett Meredith is the No. 15 commit in the NU class
Bennett Meredith is the 15th commit in the Northwestern class and their first — likely only — quarterback commit. He is the first pledge since the summer.
Towson (Md.) Loyola Blakefield four-star EDGE Anto Saka and Naperville (Ill.) Naperville Central four-star wide receiver Reggie Fleurima are Northwestern’s only two commits in the 2022 On300 rankings.
Saka is the No. 181 recruit in the rankings and Fleurima slots in at No. 296.
Three quarterbacks have played meaningful minutes for the Wildcats this season. Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson started the season but was bench after four first-half turnovers against Duke. Redshirt senior Andrew Marty replaced Johnson and led the Wildcats to 20 points in less than a half but left the game with an injury. He has not played since.
Ryan Hillinski replaced Marty in the game and has been the signal caller every since. He is a redshirt sophomore who transferred in from South Carolina in the spring.