The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Wilson has led Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast to a 6-0 record thus far, marking the program’s finest start in fifteen years. Wilson rushed for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns during that time, while he completed 98 of 144 throws (68 percent) for 1,475 yards with 16 touchdowns and no interceptions.
“What motivates me is just having fun playing the game,” Wilson stated. “My family, of course. Just thinking back to the game I used to play as a kid. It’s quite significant.
Wilson’s achievements are not coincidental. He puts in a lot of effort, and following an outstanding junior campaign in 2023, he started training right away to improve.
Wilson stated, “I improved as a student of the game.” “I put more effort into my studies and have faith in my readiness before playing.
“There are a lot of details. You win the big games by paying attention to the details. The details are what set you apart, therefore you have to be your own worst enemy when it comes to them.”
To be at his best on Friday evenings, Wilson adheres to a rigorous in-season preparation schedule.
“On Sundays, I break down film,” Wilson said. “Monday is redzone. Tuesday, I work on long down and distance. Wednesday is team day, so if we have had problems with something, I’ll go in my notebook and draw it up, and fix it. Then on Thursday, I do a quick review of new things we did during the week, and how we expect the defense to line up against us. And Friday — of course — is to get ready to ball.
“I couldn’t give you an exact amount of time I spend on preparation, but it’s a lot. But once you prepare — you study, watch the film and take care of your body — Friday’s payday. You go get your paycheck on Friday as my dad likes to say.”
The future Wolfpack signal-caller has been the Cavaliers’ starting varsity quarterback since he arrived at the school, and his father, Walt Wilson, has been Richland Northeast’s head coach. Being able to grow as a player and elevate the football program under his dad’s guidance is something Wilson cherishes.
“It’s been great,” Wilson said. “We spoke it all into existence. I’m a big believer in speaking things into existence. This was the vision. It was a process, but we’ve made progress every year, and it’s been great sharing it with him.
“As he comes down to his last years of coaching, this could be a big year for him, and I want him to go out with a bang. So, I’m doing everything I can to try to make that happen.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of his father and the rest of his family in his development. Their support has been instrumental in his success.
“They’ve been really important in this process because they have high expectations for me,” Wilson stated. “Over the past four years, it hasn’t always been sunshine and butterflies, but they have always stood with me through thick and thin. They have remained by my side the entire time. While this happiness is wonderful right now, we must maintain it.”
While winning a state title is the ultimate aim for all high school athletes, Wilson and his squad are more concerned with the journey than the destination.
Wilson stated, “I take things one week at a time.” “We must win 1-0 each and every week. Our goals are to get a home playoff game and win the region championship. Following that, we’re attempting to proceed
