One to Watch Interview with Athletic 2020 California DE/TE Dion Wilson Jr.

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For a team in any state and within any classification to have the kind of season Orange Vista produced in 2018 on the gridiron, you need guys to step up out of nowhere; that is exactly what Class of 2020 tight end/defensive end Dion Wilson did. The 6-6, 240-pound, raw talent put his God given abilities to work helping the Coyotes to a 12-2 season with a four-game run into the California playoffs before falling to Adelanto (20-15). Full season stats have not been released on Wilson, but needless to say, he is just scratching the surface of what he can do on the field and how he can control games on both sides of the ball.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with Wilson covering his junior campaign and rising recruiting interest.

Interview

Dion, the Coyotes had an amazing season making a four-game run into the playoffs. Looking back, what are some of the things you are most proud of about the 2018 season?

“I am most proud of the team on how we came together this season. Last season, we were not a brotherhood, but this season we were a family. That was the foundation to where it all started. With all our hard work, all the Saturday practices, and dedication we put into the team, we had a good season.”

You were a two-way standout lining up at tight end and defensive end. Going with tight end first, how did that part of your game further develop during your junior campaign?

“This was my first time playing tight end. This is my first year playing varsity. I used some of my basketball skills to help me. I developed well. I felt my blocking was great. My receiving improved a lot thanks to my coaches helping me.”

What about at defensive end, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“It improved a lot with my get off and being more aggressive. Before the season started, I was aggressive but not aggressive enough.”

We talked about how your game improved, what are some of the strengths of your game on offense?

“On offense, I always worked on my footwork. Most high school offensive linemen do not have good footwork. I can beat defenders with my footwork and speed. My strength is coming and getting better.”

What about on defense?

“My strengths are getting my hands up and chopping; without his hands, he is nothing. I am getting by them quickly. I can dip my shoulder and break their wrists.”

Do you have a preference as to which side of the ball you like playing?

“Not really. The style I play, I am aggressive no matter where I am playing. On offense, I love pancaking. I love getting to a running back or a quarterback and getting a sack. I have fun on both sides of the ball.”

Of all the games played this year, which was your best?

“My best was our last game at Adelanto.”

What did you do well in that game to make it your best?

“We were down six, I was playing tight end. The linebacker came down and I caught the ball for a touchdown. I pumped up my team; that got us going. In the fourth quarter, they put me in on defense. I got the sack for a safety. That got us back into it. I feel that I showed I could put the team on my back in a championship game.”

What do you plan on working on this offseason?

“My hands and footwork while working on getting my speed up. That is a big thing. I want to get my weight up. I want to be faster and weigh around 255 or 260 pounds before my senior year starts.”

As a tight end, might you play 7v7 this offseason to work on your game?

“Yes. I am playing with Rharebreed.”

What are you hoping playing 7v7 with Rharebreed will help with your growth?

“They have great speed training. I want to improve on my speed and perfect my routes. I can be sloppy on my routes. It is always good to play with new people and work with new coaches to learn and grow.”

With recruiting, since this is your second year playing is there a message you would like to share with college coaches about your abilities?

“Yes. I hope college coaches will recognize my talents. By my senior year, I will be one of the best in the IE (Inland Empire).”

Are you receiving any recruiting interest already?

“Yes. I am receiving interest from Washington State, Fresno State, and Nevada.”

Are you playing any other sports this offseason?

“Yes. I am non-stop with sports. I’m in basketball now, I had a game yesterday. After basketball, I will compete in either volleyball or track, most likely track.”

With the basketball game, did you get a dunk in the game?

“No. I had an opportunity but didn’t get the ball.”

How did the game go for you?

“I did pretty good, I had eight or 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a nasty block.”

Dion, good luck with basketball and your offseason workouts, and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Dion Wilson Jr.’s Hudl reel

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 23 Dion Wilson Jr. hovers after a pancake block