Clayton Thorson isn’t one of the quarterbacks headlining this year’s NFL Draft. The four-year starter from Northwestern just doesn’t create the same hype as Dwayne Haskins or Kyler Murray.

And after sustaining an ACL injury at the end of his junior season, there’s some concern about his health and mobility as he pursues a future in professional football. But Thorson’s former head coach Pat Fitzgerald is a big believer in the Wildcats gunslinger.

Fitzgerald believes Thorson can carve out a role for himself in the NFL and go on to have a great career at the highest level.

“He’s battled adversity. He started 53 games, has great confidence and poise,” Fitzgerald said of Thorson, according to Megan Mawicke of CBS2. “The pro game will not be above him. Talking with scouts, they like how mature he is. He will have an awesome career.”

Thorson has seen almost everything in his collegiate career. He was the starter for Northwestern since he first arrived on campus in 2015 and never relinquished that role. He guided the Wildcats to four bowl games, a pair of 10-win seasons and a B1G West Division title. And those are just the team accomplishments.

In four years as a starter, Thorson threw for 10,731 yards and 61 touchdowns. He also accounted for over 400 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground in 53 games.

Perhaps Thorson didn’t lead the NCAA in passing yardage or win a Heisman Trophy, but he was an excellent quarterback to one of the better teams in the B1G over the last four years. The experience and maturity he brings to the NFL could be valuable assets for several teams in the league.

Thorson won’t be a name mentioned too frequently when it comes to the NFL Draft over the next month. Many websites have him listed in the bottom third of quarterbacks available for selection. But clearly Fitzgerald thinks Thorson has what it takes to succeed at the pro level.