Interview: 4-Star 2022 Florida DE/OLB Aaron Wilson Ready to Take on Maryland Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If the 2019 season is a gauge as to what will happen in the coming years… Maryland high school football players need to brace for the impact of Aaron Wilson. Wilson man-handled top Florida 8A offenses as a sophomore lining up all over in the trenches compiling 43 stops, 25 solo, with 11 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. The offseason has brought a move from Ocoee High School to national powerhouse St. Frances. College programs will have no troubles following the progress of the 6-3, 240-pound, four-star recruit, as 17 programs across the country have already dropped offers seeing his versatility in the box as a game changer at the collegiate level.
In an RNG first-look, Wilson goes in-depth on his talent and abilities with an update on his recruiting options.
Interview
Aaron, you were a dominating force off the edge for the Knights during your sophomore season. Beyond your speed, what else was working for you on the field in 2019?
“My hand positioning got better from my freshman to sophomore year and I got a lot better when I was rushing the quarterback. The positioning was more muscle then I used more finesse.”
Looks like you guys were running some 3-4 and 4-3 sets. How did lining up in the different fronts against 8A competition help mold your game through experience?
“It helped me get better as a player. The year before I had to do everything on the line because my nose guard was hurt. It helped in practice lining up in different sets, that helped translate in the games. During the season, I was processing everything better.”
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game?
“My speed, aggressiveness, and hustle.”
With the move playing with the Panthers in 2020, how are they going to utilize your skills on the field?
“That is up in the air now. I am guessing I will play defensive end/outside linebacker dropping back in some coverages at time, but mostly I will be at end.”
How have you prepared for that role with your workouts this spring?
“I do a lot of cover work, dropping back and conditioning to be in better shape.”
Have you maxed out at all in the weight room this offseason?
“The last time I did it was at the end of last season. Then, my bench was 330, my squat was 500-even, and my power clean was 260.”
Impressive. What has been your daily routine this spring to keep up all of your progress?
“I wake up, go workout, and then go to another workout later in the afternoon. In my first work out, that is more field work – working on my hands and get off. The second workout is hitting the weights.”
Going into recruiting. How many offers are you holding?
“Twenty-two.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“Michigan State, Arkansas, Boston College, Florida, and Georgia.”
Wilson’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Boston College, Central Florida, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, and West Virginia
Is there a program showing interest that has not offered yet?
“Clemson.”
Going back a few months, did you get a chance to take any visits?
“Yes, I went to UCF and Rutgers.”
Are there any planned visits you may take in the coming months once the campuses open back up?
“To the schools that have been showing interest lately.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun to keep yourself entertained?
“I’ve been doing TikTok videos.”
What type of videos have you been posting?
“Dance videos and funny videos.”
Aaron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the transfer and offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wilson family; Aaron Wilson at Maryland and St. Frances Academy