Recruiting Report: Octavius Wilson (2019)

Brian Jerzak February 1, 2019 @ 12:01 AM

Although the Hill-Murray Pioneers struggled through a two-win season in 2018, the tough losses didn't seem to get the players – including senior linebacker Octavius Wilson – down. According to Wilson, the team continued to believe in each other and did whatever it took to try to turn the season around. That same ‘don't quit' attitude also helped Wilson attract the attention of college football programs around the Midwest. Recently he picked up his first offer, and as the winter progresses, other offers are likely coming soon. "We struggled on offense," Wilson said about the 2018 season. "We had some injuries at the beginning of the season, so we had a lot of young players who had to step in. Our defense was on the field a lot." Despite the injuries and record, Wilson liked the sense of brotherhood on the team. "We bonded together. Everyone was there for each other. Everyone was willing to work hard and were willing to work together." Wilson anchored the Pioneers' defense. "I was almost strictly defense. I would only play running back in goal line or short yardage." "We were good at stopping the run," Wilson told northstarfootballnews.com. "Our front seven was good at applying pressure at the line of scrimmage and pressuring the quarterback." A three-year starter, as a junior Wilson spent time at all three linebacker positions. This season he was able to settle in at one spot. "I played middle linebacker," the 5'11" 215-pound senior said. "I felt like I had a good year. I was voted defensive player of the year for our conference." Wilson believes his biggest strength has nothing to do with physical strength. "I think one of my strengths is to be able to apply coaching to the game. I am good at reading the guards and using my technique to make plays." Wilson knows he will need to improve if he is going to have success at the next level. "I feel like I should have had a few more interceptions. I need to work on my pass drops and coverage." Although he enjoys playing basketball in his spare time, this offseason he is focusing on football. "I am working out three times a week this winter," said Wilson – who also enjoys fishing. "I work with a trainer. He has helped me get faster and improve my feet." Although he doesn't know at what level, Wilson will be playing football somewhere next season. "Recruiting has been going good so far. Some Division III schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have reached out to me, and I took a couple of visits. I have taken a visit to Minnesota-Crookston, and they offered me. Concordia-St. Paul has been interested as well as Northern Iowa and Western Illinois." Among other things, the programs in contact with Wilson like his hustle. "They like the way I can get to the ball and can move from sideline to sideline, Wilson said. "They like that I don't take plays off and continue to play the whole 48 minutes."