Donovan

Wilson

Cooks, Smith, and Wilson all missed last week’s game against the Jets, but them being on the field this early in the week is a good sign for their availability on Sunday against the Cardinals. With the Cowboys also coming in as heavy favorites on Sunday, they could choose to be cautious with Cooks’ involvement, but this is a positive first step in his recovery.

Wilson (6'/199) is a hard-hitting physical safety who will likely make a name for himself on special teams.

“He’s a hard-hitting, physical safety who will impress scouts,” Miller writes of the 6-foot, 199-pound Wilson, before adding his major caveat that “his lack of athleticism and range are enough to keep him from being a starter.” Wilson is also on the older side of the equation and will be beginning his rookie year at 24.5 years old. Miller does not ultimately grade the Aggies thumper as a draftable prospect.

“He used to be one of those guys who just did the bare minimum to get by, but they say he works his tail off now,” the scout told Zierlein. “He busted it to get back on the field after missing last year and that speaks to how his football character has really improved.” Wilson (6'0/199) had his 2017 season wiped out by an ankle injury, but he rebounded nicely in 2018 with 66 tackles, 4.5 for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and five pass breakups. Zierlein cites his strengths, including his “plus ball tracking with ability to adjust to the throw” and that he picked up a complicated defense quickly. He grades him as a player that should be in an NFL training camp, so he’s likely a late-round pick or a player who signs as a priority free agent.

Wilson (6'1/207) underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia at the end of the regular season. His absence for Monday’s date with NC State is a big one, as the redshirt senior safety registered 67 tackles (5.5 for loss), two sacks and a pair of interceptions across 12 games played during the campaign. Look for DeShawn Capers-Smith, Keldrick Carper and Leon O’Neal to all chip in as the Aggies look to cover for the loss of one of their upperclassman leaders.

Wilson rebounded after an ejection in Sept. 22 game against Alabama. He allowed just a 52.1 passer rating and also recorded an interception. Wilson’s a team captain and has been playing really well this season. He’ll look to continue his success next week against Kentucky.

Losing Wilson (6'1/207) is a big deal for the Aggies, as not only is he their best player in the secondary but also a team captain. It should also be noted that this is the second time that the redshirt senior has been ejected for targeting this season. Senior Deshawn Capers-Smith replaced Wilson in the lineup.

Back in 2015, defensive coordinator John Chavis likened Wilson’s ‘It’ factor to that of Tyrann Mathieu, his former star pupil at LSU. During that 2015 season, Wilson posted 8.5 TFL, five interceptions and three forced fumbles from his nickelback/safety post. Wilson fell off to 5.5 TFL and one interception last year. With all the Aggies lost over the winter, they need him to re-emerge as a star-caliber player.

That last statement is ominous, as Wilson was expected to take over for the departed Justin Evans and play an important role. This comes on the heels of the Aggies allowing one of the biggest comebacks in college football history.

Wilson (6'1/205) sustained a season-ending foot injury during the team’s season-opening loss to UCLA. He subsequently underwent surgery on that foot. He put in 55-plus tackles in each of the previous two campaigns. Wilson was expected to take on a large role this season with Justin Wilson off to the NFL. While that did not ultimately play out, he should have a starting role with the team next year unless he’s either limited during the offseason or supplanted by younger talent.