Interview: Australian OL Dan Wilkins Earning His Keep with Tyler JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The movement of American football in Australia is taking a hold with more and more athletic talents making the big jump to the U.S. each year. The early emphasis has been seen on special teams, especially with punters, but the rough and tumble nature of rugby is bridging a gap to the gridiron expanding opportunities at other positions. One new Australian import already making waves in the states is true freshman offensive lineman Dan Wilkins.

There are so many ways and reasons to be impressed with Wilkins beyond his tremendous self-belief, but for football related purposes, his size jumps out immediately. The 6-6, 310 pound, athlete steps onto the field with a gifted physical advantage over most. The height and weight fit the prototypical ideals but his work in the weight room compliments his growing skillset. At the end of spring practices, Wilkins maxed out at 415 on bench, 495 on squat, and 265 on power clean. The other thing Wilkins has going for him is foot speed. Watching his mid-season highlight reel, one can tell that playing rugby has paid off displaying a quickness in space as opposed to a lumbering kick-slide or slide-step shown by many of his counterparts.

The impressive list continues for Wilkins. No one can question his drive or motivation on the field. One does not move from Brisbane, Queensland, to North Dakota on a whim. After moving to the U.S. before the spring semester, due to a coaching change at North Dakota State College of Science, Wilkins left the Wildcats for an opportunity with Tyler Junior College. After one semester of spring JUCO ball and one fall camp with Tyler, Wilkins is a key contributor for the Apaches. Again, impressive to put into perspective that an 18-year-old from Australia has not only earned a spot on Tyler’s roster but is rotating in at both guard spots and is capable of playing tackle if called upon.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Wilkins covering his move to the U.S., his journey through the JUCO ranks so far, and how quickly he is taking to being a mauling offensive lineman with a good nasty streak.

Interview

Dan, how did you develop a love for American football in Australia?

“I was playing rugby, looking for an offseason sport. A mate of mine said you need to see this game. I had seen football on TV but I had never played. I went to a training session with a local club. They put me through some defensive lineman drills and I loved it. I signed up and I played that season. That is when I fell in love with football. I told my parents I really love the game and wanted to make a future for myself playing football.”

How did the opportunity come up for you to move to the U.S. for college and play football?

“I made a highlight film from the local club. Tim O’Donnell, he’s now at New Mexico State (five-star long snapper), rang me. He said I have an opportunity for you at North Dakota State if you really want it. This was in late October. I told him to give me a couple of weeks to think about it. I was still playing rugby and we were going through the finals at that time. In December, I said let’s give this a go. The coaches at North Dakota State gave me a chance in the spring. I went through spring workouts with them. I really enjoyed it and loved the atmosphere.”

How did you end up at Tyler JUCO?

“During the spring, after a couple of coaching changes and due to the financials, I put my film out. I was lucky to get a hit with Tyler’s defensive coordinator, Coach (Thomas) Rocco. They offered me a scholarship, which helps me financially. I knew Tyler was going to have a good team this year and I knew they could help me get exposure from college coaches. Coach (Matt) Gordon (offensive coordinator) has really helped me improve in all the areas needed.”

How did your first couple of practices go with and without the pads?

“They were pretty rough. I was getting used to stuff. The big boys down south go hard. Football is second nature to these guys and now I am competing with them. I had that doubt in my mind at first. I wasn’t sure how everything would go. In fall camp, I started knocking heads and knew I could compete with these kids. I slowly started working my way into it and now I am doing well.”

What were some of the adjustments you had to make quickly to earn a spot on the team?

“Definitely the speed of the game. I am used to fast-pace because of rugby. I also had to focus more mentally. If you do not know the plays, you will not play. I’ve had to work a lot on fundamentals. Rugby is a standup sport. With football, I have to play low and focus on my technique.”

What was fall camp in the Texas heat like for you?

(Laughs) “The guys down here were dreading it. They warned me of the heat. They were telling me to prep myself for the heat. I drank a lot of water but once I got in there it wasn’t that bad. The heat is like back home for me but this is more of a dry heat. It is more humid back home.”

Tyler runs a balanced offense with 203 yards rushing and 198 yards passing per game on average. How has your game improved week by week due to the versatility of the offense?

“I was not a very good pass blocker at first. We split it up during our training. That has really helped me get better. Working at both run blocking and pass protection has helped me balance out my game. I work even more on my pass set.”

What are some of the areas of your game you work on every day in practice?

“I’m working on my punch, pass set, keeping my hands up, moving my feet in pass pro, my pad height, and I work in the chute every day to keep my pad level low. I’m always working my hands and shooting my hands.”

What was your first junior college football game like for you?

“It was a big experience for me. We were playing Kilgore. That was an eye opener. The band and all the fans cheering, it was an eye opener. The parents and fans yelling – I really enjoyed it.

Where are you in the rotation?

“I am rotating in at both guard spots on the second-string, but I can play tackle if needed.”

Are you receiving any college interest already?

“I am from some Division-II and NAIA schools.”

You’ve already taken an unofficial visit, right?

“Yes. I went to North Dakota.”

How did your trip to North Dakota go?

“I spoke with Coach (Luke) Knauf (offensive line coach) when I was there. I enjoyed my trip.”

Do you have any other planned visits for this fall?

“I’m trying to get to New Mexico State.”

Last question, but back on the field. Tyler jumped out winning the first five games of the season but have lost three in a row including a tough one last time out to New Mexico Military (17-14). The final game of the season is on Oct. 28, what does the team need to do to close on a winning note against Kilgore?

“We just need to come together. We’ve lacked that the last three games. Right now, we are not the team we were at the start. We work best when we play together. When we put in together we get stuff done. Our starting quarterback was injured, now we have a freshman quarterback starting. He can put the ball where it needs to be if he has time. When we get all the guys coming together, we are unstoppable.”

Dan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wilkins family; Dan Wilkins with Tyler JUCO