Hogs, Rebels offer Tennessee DB

Junior to Watch: Ellix Wilson

School: Memphis (Tenn.) Melrose HS

Position: Defensive Back

Size and speed: Wilson is 6-feet tall, weighs 205 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.

Statistics: He has recorded 12 career interceptions as a three-year starter.

Honors: Was selected all-city and all-region as a junior.

Favorite Schools: Tennessee, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU, Auburn, Kentucky, North Carolina.

Skinny: Will Memphis Melrose’s Ellix Wilson follow in the footsteps of his older brother?

That’s a question many University of Tennessee fans will be asking during the recruiting process this season with an eye on the talented brother of former Vol receiver Cedric Wilson.

“I think he’s definitely familiar with that program, the coaches and the school, so that could be big advantage for them,” Melrose coach Kedrick Ingram said. “Tennessee will probably be in the hunt if they offer, but I think Ellix is open to a number of schools right now.”

Two of them have already offered, Arkansas and Ole Miss. He’s also receiving heavy interest from Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky and North Carolina, among others.

Wilson, who has 12 career interceptions as a three-year starter at Melrose, is a versatile defensive back capable of playing either corner or safety.

“He runs like a corner, but I think he’s going to wind up being a safety because he’s such an aggressive, physical kid,” Ingram said. “When you see him on film, it’s a bunch of highlights of him knocking people out. He’s a big-time hitter who always seems to get himself in position to make plays. He’s a difference-maker.”

Ingram added Wilson’s best attribute might be his mind.

“He’s an extremely smart kid,” he said. “He’s very sharp. His understanding of the game is like that of a coach.”

Wilson maintains a 2.8 GPA and is expected to be a full-qualifier, according to Ingram.