Tag: Tru Wilson

2018 Season Countdown: #65 Tru Wilson

Tru Wilson (image via Hudl)

Name: Tru Wilson
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 lbs.
High school: Warren (MI) De La Salle
Position: Running back
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #27
Last year: I ranked Wilson #84 and said he would be a backup running back and special teamer (LINK). He played on special teams.
TTB Rating: N/A

Wilson played some defensive back last season before transitioning to offense, perhaps permanently. By the end of this past spring, he had worked himself up to being the #3 running back on the depth chart, behind Karan Higdon and Chris Evans, but ahead of O’Maury Samuels, Kurt Taylor, and others. I am leery of walk-on-type running backs, because we’ve seen players like Joe Hewlett get a bunch of spring-time snaps that disappear entirely when it comes to the season. Whether it’s a motivational ploy, due to injury, or because of some other factor, these walk-ons usually end up on the sideline or playing on special teams.

I can’t put out of my mind that Wilson was a Semper Fidelis All-American coming out of high school, though, and he had several FBS offers. He’s not an average walk-on. Samuels was dinged up a little this spring, but maybe Wilson really has passed him up on the depth chart. Maybe Wilson was slowed in previous chances by not practicing on offense full-time, so maybe a permanent switch will help him play a little faster. I mentioned the other day that Ty Isaac and Kareem Walker vacated 108 carries from last season, so someone will have to eat up some of those carries behind Higdon and Evans. I’m not sure it will be Wilson, but he has a chance to do it, and he can also play on specials.

Prediction: Backup running back, special teamer

2017 Season Countdown: #84 Tru Wilson

Tru Wilson

Name: Tru Wilson
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 lbs.
High school: Warren (MI) De La Salle
Position: Running back
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #27
Last year: I did not rank Wilson. He had 1 carry for 1 yard.

Wilson is one of the more heralded preferred walk-on players you might find after being chosen as a safety for the 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. Wilson was a standout running back and safety at De La Salle, and that talent carried over into some playing time as a true freshman walk-on. One of three walk-ons to play as true freshmen – joining defensive lineman Carl Myers and wide receiver Nate Schoenle – Wilson also looked solid this spring, running the ball with authority despite average size. As long as the other running backs behave themselves and stay healthy, Wilson will probably be watching from the sideline on offense. But with a variety of skills and some decent athleticism, he may be effective and useful on special teams.

Prediction: Backup running back, special teamer