New Northwestern quarterback Ryan Hilinski met with local media earlier this week, and he explained some of the factors that led him to choosing the Wildcats.

Hilinski came to Northwestern by way of South Carolina, where he spent two seasons. He was originally a 4-star quarterback from Orange, Calif., in the class of 2019.

When he decided to leave South Carolina, he said there were numerous schools that reached out. But he saw something different with Pat Fitzgerald’s program.

“Going into the transfer process, there were schools that reached out, and Northwestern was one that stood out,” Hilinski said, via InsideNU.com. “There is a sense of pride that you walk around this campus with, and a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of “I’ve gotta do my duty” both in school and on the field. I think Northwestern is one of a kind when it comes to an academic program and the football program as well.

“Their history has been winning games, and thats what I want to do, along with getting an education, because football doesn’t last forever, and Northwestern will set me up great for life after football. Coach Fitz was also a main reason, and Coach Bajakian. They were really hands on in this process, and they made me feel welcome. So I thought it was a great fit for myself and also my family.”

Hilinski will be one of several quarterbacks Northwestern has competing to replace Peyton Ramsey this offseason. Last season, Ramsey completed 61 percent of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Hilinski played in 11 games as a true freshman for South Carolina. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,357 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Northwestern still has four spring practices remaining.