The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN gridiron star Wardrick Wilson has been a highly sought after NCAA recruit and committed to join one of the most storied programme’s in college football.

Wilson has been ranked as a three or four star recruit by several reputable publications and committed to join the University of Florida Gators for the Fall 2019 campaign.

Wilson moved to the United States two years ago and at 6’0 feet, 305 pounds, has quickly become a rising star on the football field as an offensive lineman.

He became noteworthy in the state at Miami’s Doral Charter Academy but has recently transferred to Miami Norland.

“It’s a really great feeling and I love it,” Wilson told Ryan Green of Gridiron Now on his commitment to the Gators. “I went up there and I fell in love with it and I felt like it was home. I like the campus and I like the fans. They show a lot of love. I felt like it was a really good fit for me. I felt like I could get a good education there and play football at the same time.”

Like most Bahamians, his time in the US was focused on the basketball court before he made the transition to football.

“I was originally playing basketball, so I didn’t know anything about football until I came over here,” Wilson said.

“I expected I would have offers, but I didn’t expect to have as much as I have now. It’s a great feeling because I only started playing football two years ago.

The Gators have undergone a coaching change with Dan Mullen at the helm, but Wilson said his commitment has not changed.

“They’re great coaches,” he said. “The offensive line coach (John Hevesy) – he talks to me almost every day. Coach (Dan) Mullen is also a great coach. He tells me words of encouragement and keeps telling me it’s great to be a Gator,” he sai.

“I’m dominant in both run-blocking and pass-blocking, and I work on it every day,” Wilson said. “I don’t prefer to do one over the other. I just feel that I can do both really well. I’m originally a tackle, but wherever they want me to play, whether it’s guard or tackle, it doesn’t matter.”

Wilson still has visits to Florida, UCF and Miami before he signs his letter of intent.