Roman Wilson: College Football's Rising Star

By Jason Bolton August 02, 2024 05:59

Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Roman Wilson, who hails from Honolulu, began playing sports as a youth while growing up in Hawaii. Although he grew up in a community full of athletic competitions, Wilson always had football running through his veins. He graduated from St. Louis Crusaders High School as a rising athletic star. Wilson was a highly talented player and a four-star recruit, and it showed early in his career after he displayed lighting speed even during his final prep season.

At the Opening regional in 2019, Wilson ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive time of 4.33. The performance not only showcased his athleticism but also landed him on the radar of college scouts across the country. A speed demon with sharp route-running skills and the ability to make plays all over the field, it was only a matter of time before he became one of college football's most sought-after recruits.

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How Michigan Became a Talented Roster

Wilson earned multiple scholarships to play college football following a great high school career. After weighing his options this fall, he picked the program with history and competition while offering a chance to play for coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan.

Wilson's recruitment was extensive among elite programs, and his choice to land at Michigan centered around challenging himself at college football's most prestigious level. He sought to continue developing and playing a part in one of his sport's best programs.

College Football Career Performance and Achievements

His rookie season came in 2020, and he played in six games with nine catches for 122 yards and one touchdown. Though his chances were minimal, Wilson showed he could be efficient as a receiver by posting an elite quarterback rating of 115.8 when targeted.

Wilson's production climbed progressively higher as he went through his college career. As a sophomore in 2021, he caught 25 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns while appearing in all of the Cougars' games. That was a big step in his performance; it showed that he could adapt and get better at something.

Wilson remained a key part of the receiving rotation as a junior, appearing in 11 games and totaling 20 receptions for 272 yards and three touchdowns. Except it was his 2023 senior season that signaled his arrival. Wilson appeared in 13 games, registering a whopping 41 receptions for an impressive 662 yards (16.1 ypc) with those eleven trips above to pay dirt on the year.

A major moment from Wilson's senior year was his performance in Michigan's Rose Bowl win over Alabama, finishing with four catches for 73 yards and one touchdown, a score that ultimately set up the Rams' play to tie the game. This performance not only solidified him as the engine that makes Michigan's offense tick but also caught NFL scouts' attention alongside a host of other high-level games.

Challenges and Obstacles

But Wilson's path to success was anything but easy. At every stage of his college career, he encountered well-deserved speed bumps, whether that was through injuries or simply not being one of the first 10-12 guys off the bench. During his freshman year, one of the first changes he had to make was transitioning from a high school football workout routine to taking care of business on and off the field.

Wilson also carried the mantle of a four-star freshman recruit. There was heavy expectation on him, and he had to labor to establish his ground on the field. The fact that he fought back from these issues is a testament to his strength of character and spirit, which defines him as one of the truly great champions.

The Road Ahead

Wilson has a bright future as he transitions to the pro level. He has been drawing some attention from NFL scouts for his play at the college level. He is projected to go in the third round and end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him 84th overall.

This is the tale of Roman Wilson's rise from an up-and-coming high school prospect in Hawaii to becoming one of the Michigan Wolverines' top players. His rare blend of speed, agility, and playmaking ability defines him heading into his professional career as one to watch in football.