Athlete Wilson shines at FSU camp

Some impressive camp performances this summer have helped raise the profile of Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland athlete Vince Wilson.

“I just got back from Florida State camp,” he said. “It really went great. I ran a great time (4.3) and they say they’re going to offer me a scholarship. I worked out at running back in one session, but in another they had me at wide receiver. My coach there said he loved me at that spot. He just said he wished I was a bit taller, so I may end up at running back.”

Wilson (5-10, 180, 4.4) was primarily a running back at Mainland as a junior. He rushed for more than 1,100 yards and scored 15 touchdowns en route to All-Central Florida honors. His versatility and overall athleticism (he also ran a 4.3 at the Florida Nike combine) has helped draw additional offers from Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Stanford and South Florida.

Miami, Wake Forest, Kentucky and Boston College are also showing heavy interest.

“My top four right now are Florida State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and USF,” he said. "And Miami might be in there, too, if they offer. I think I got their attention when I went to their camp. They've started sending me stuff now."

Asked what stood out about each school, Wilson said:

“Florida State is close to home, and I’ve always been a big fan. They were down a little bit last year, but while I was at camp, I got to see them work out. It was real impressive, real intense. They’re so hungry. You can tell they have a great work ethic, and they’re focused on getting back to the top. I guarantee they’ll be back in the national championship sometime soon, and I’d like to be part of that. Also, my cousin, Reinard Wilson, went there, so we’ve got some family ties to the school.

“Oklahoma is another great program. I heard their strength and conditioning program is one of the best in the country and that their coaches were really good and getting the most out of their players and preparing them for the next level.

“Notre Dame has great tradition, and they’re starting to get that confidence back under coach Willingham. Like I said about Florida State, I think they’re going to be back on top again sometime soon.

“USF is on my list because I like their coaches and the way they’ve recruited me so hard, even against these bigger schools talking to me. I think they’re starting something special there, and it would be kind of nice to be part of that. You could look back some day and say ‘I was part of that.’”

Any timetable on a decision?

“Not right now,” he said. “I’ll probably make some visits.”

Wilson said he’s currently focused on getting eligible. He carries a 2.9 GPA, but has not taken the ACT or SAT yet. “I’m getting tutored for it now,” he said. “I’ll be taking it in either September or October.”