former OL signee Wardrick Wilson now an NCAA full qualifier

[Jeff from Jax]

The former four-star offensive tackle signed with Dan Mullen's program during the 2019 recruiting cycle, but visa issues prevented him from qualifying and kicking off his career in Gainesville.

However, according to Wilson's mentor, Mike Tunsil, the native of Bahamas was recently given the green light and is now an NCAA full qualifier. In fact, schools representing the SEC, Big Ten and ACC made contact with Wilson's camp over the past 72 hours.

Able to attend HS in America, but unable to qualify for a student Visa to go to college. Amazing how bright these bureaucrats are !

https://florida.rivals.com/news/swa...e-gators-and-former-ol-signee-wardrick-wilson

https://247sports.com/college/flori...er-UF-2019-signee-Wardrick-Wilson--150433887/

 

[Nicktheslick]

The former four-star offensive tackle signed with Dan Mullen's program during the 2019 recruiting cycle, but visa issues prevented him from qualifying and kicking off his career in Gainesville.

However, according to Wilson's mentor, Mike Tunsil, the native of Bahamas was recently given the green light and is now an NCAA full qualifier. In fact, schools representing the SEC, Big Ten and ACC made contact with Wilson's camp over the past 72 hours.

Able to attend HS in America, but unable to qualify for a student Visa to go to college. Amazing how bright these bureaucrats are !

https://florida.rivals.com/news/swa...e-gators-and-former-ol-signee-wardrick-wilson

https://247sports.com/college/flori...er-UF-2019-signee-Wardrick-Wilson--150433887/

It’s not like we have any foreign students here... wait

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

The former four-star offensive tackle signed with Dan Mullen's program during the 2019 recruiting cycle, but visa issues prevented him from qualifying and kicking off his career in Gainesville.

However, according to Wilson's mentor, Mike Tunsil, the native of Bahamas was recently given the green light and is now an NCAA full qualifier. In fact, schools representing the SEC, Big Ten and ACC made contact with Wilson's camp over the past 72 hours.

Able to attend HS in America, but unable to qualify for a student Visa to go to college. Amazing how bright these bureaucrats are !

https://florida.rivals.com/news/swa...e-gators-and-former-ol-signee-wardrick-wilson

https://247sports.com/college/flori...er-UF-2019-signee-Wardrick-Wilson--150433887/

He's essentially a free agent since this took so long and UF rescinded his original NLI - hope we get him though. His Instagram pics look good for a guy that's just working out on his own. He has not been getting fat n lazy during the visa fiasco, which is a good sign imo.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

He's essentially a free agent since this took so long and UF rescinded his original NLI - hope we get him though. His Instagram pics look good for a guy that's just working out on his own. He has not been getting fat n lazy during the visa fiasco, which is a good sign imo.

GBO,

We could use an OT ! Especially one who has been self-motivated enough to work out on his own during this incredible situation..

I also like the idea of sticking with a former commit, who, through no fault of his own, wasn't able to enroll.

If Black, Hammond & Wilson all make it in to UF, that would be validation of Mullen's ability to identify not only physical talent, but character & players who want to be Gators !

I think that when Wison enrolls, he will be a true freshman.

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

I've read that Wilson still has VERY good relationships with the staff and he liked they way they worked with him/handled the situation. I'm sure there will be other suitors but we have a 50-50 chance from what I'm reading right now.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Just saw this -

"...Wilson has green card/social security card in hand and is available to attend any D1 school as a NCAA full qualifier. Wilson a 2019 graduate and University of Florida signee is a 5 for 4 (clock)"

5 Year Clock (Applies to Division I schools only):

The number of years a student is eligible to play NCAA athletics. A student can compete 4 years out of 5 total years.

If this is true, Wilson is regarded as a true freshman & could even take a red shirt year; doubt he would want to after fighting his way through all the Visa BS.

I am sure he wants to get on the field ASAP & with UF having 4 Seniors on OL, good time for him to make it to G'ville !

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Per Andrew Spivey - https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/florida-gators-recruiting-august-19th-edition/

"...Macbgator: Who are our most likely recruit candidates on the offensive line to sign??

AS: Florida is still recruiting Tristian Leigh, Diego Pounds, and Yousef Mugharbil for the final spot in the class on the offensive line (Hey Wardrick !)

Right now Florida isn’t leading for any of those guys but they’re in the discussion to get visits from each of those guys (WTF ?).

Gatorfantone247: What is going on with Grad Transfer Right Tackle Jaquay Hubbard…. do you think he chooses us?

AS: Hubbard picked West Virginia.

Gatorfantone247: Who do you think could be a surprise commit to our Gators for 2021 ?

AS: One of the offensive linemen picking Florida would be a surprise right now."

Again, I would rather keep the faith with Wardrick Wilson than continue chasing any of the remaining HS OL.

Wilson is older, physically & mentally more mature, & obviously has remained committed to the idea of college academics (getting his degree) & playing College football..

Hope he is still committed to the Gators.

 

[instaGATOR]

A slot on the roster opens up.

Offensive lineman Tanner Rowell, who a year ago this month was put on scholarship after three years as a walk-on, recently announced on his Instagram page that he had retired from the game and moved to Mississippi for a job. Rowell had a season of eligibility remaining. "The game of football had always been the most important thing in my life, but I've decided it was time to move on,'' Rowell wrote. "The impact the University of Florida has had on my life will be something that I will never take for granted and I wanted to thank anybody who has helped me along the way"
(Per Rivals)

 

[instaGATOR]

CB Wilcoxson, a 2021 class recruit has reclassified and moved up to the 2020 class.

OT Wilson could do the same thing in reverse. He could reclassify and go from the 2019 class to the 2020 class. I would love to see that happen.

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

CB Wilcoxson, a 2021 class recruit has reclassified and moved up to the 2020 class.

OT Wilson could do the same thing in reverse. He could reclassify and go from the 2019 class to the 2020 class. I would love to see that happen.

This is Mullen staying with kids and keeping their best interests in mind.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Per GT

Dan Mullen’s staff currently has four offensive linemen committed in their 2021 class, but they remain in the market for another tackle to join this group. https://florida.rivals.com/news/sec...icial-visits-in-mind-including-one-to-florida Even with spots being at a premium, John Hevesy is continuing to pursue several targets to add to his o-line next year - Tennessee based William Griffin-Parker North Carolina based Diego Pounds and Yousef Mugharbil Auburn commit Caleb Johnson

Though not mentioned in this article, I believe that Hevesy is still trying to close the circle with Wardrick Wilson. Wilson qualified for UF, but through no fault of his own (visa problems), was not allowed to enroll. An extra 2 years to physically & mentally mature, without losing any eligibility, will help any player. I would rather sign a 19/20 year old young MAN instead of a 17/18 year old HS player.

 

[LizardGrad89]

Per GT

Dan Mullen’s staff currently has four offensive linemen committed in their 2021 class, but they remain in the market for another tackle to join this group. https://florida.rivals.com/news/sec...icial-visits-in-mind-including-one-to-florida Even with spots being at a premium, John Hevesy is continuing to pursue several targets to add to his o-line next year - Tennessee based William Griffin-Parker North Carolina based Diego Pounds and Yousef Mugharbil Auburn commit Caleb Johnson

Though not mentioned in this article, I believe that Hevesy is still trying to close the circle with Wardrick Wilson. Wilson qualified for UF, but through no fault of his own (visa problems), was not allowed to enroll. An extra 2 years to physically & mentally mature, without losing any eligibility, will help any player. I would rather sign a 19/20 year old young MAN instead of a 17/18 year old HS player.

You don't need three years of college to turn pro, you only need to be 3 years out of high school. If we brought this guy in, he could leave after his freshman year. It's a concern.

 

[ocalaman]

You can never have enough good linemen. Hope we can get him.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

You don't need three years of college to turn pro, you only need to be 3 years out of high school. If we brought this guy in, he could leave after his freshman year. It's a concern.

LG89,

You are correct, but even if he starts in game 1, how much "Game Tape" (as Dan Mullen calls it) can he generate in 1 year ?

You will have an even worse situation with Black & Hammond (both Rivals & 247 list them as transferring from JuCo to UF); since they will have JuCo "game tape" & Wilson will not.

Are you opposed to offering them scholarships ?

Wilson may not do four years, but I would be surprised if he did less than three.

He has to show that he is at the same competitive level as all the other OL who follow the more traditional 3/4 year college career route.

 

[LizardGrad89]

LG89,

You are correct, but even if he starts in game 1, how much "Game Tape" (as Dan Mullen calls it) can he generate in 1 year ?

You will have an even worse situation with Black & Hammond (both Rivals & 247 list them as transferring from JuCo to UF); since they will have JuCo "game tape" & Wilson will not.

Are you opposed to offering them scholarships ?

Wilson may not do four years, but I would be surprised if he did less than three.

He has to show that he is at the same competitive level as all the other OL who follow the more traditional 3/4 year college career route.

Not saying it's a deal breaker, just that it's a consideration.

Besides, JC guys you expect to get only one or two years out of, and they were playing the game for the past two years, so you only offer when you can see where they will be competitive for positions. This guy has been out of football for two years.

Now, am I saying he shouldn't get a scholarship? Of course not! But maybe he should be looking at a lesser team, one where his athleticism will be better than pretty much everyone else on the team, so he can start right away, and get the film he needs if he's going to make a try at the NFL.

But, if Dan thinks he is worth the risk, then he's worth the risk. What do I know compared to him? I'm just laying out points to ponder.

 

[GatorNation79]

Only thing that matters is what happens on the field in a game. Coaches are continuing to evaluating all the time. We'll see.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Not saying it's a deal breaker, just that it's a consideration.

This guy has been out of football for two years.

LG89,

Wardrick evidently read your post & agreed with you !

From Wilson's Twitter Account
https://twitter.com/wardrickwilson?lang=en

Michael Tunsil stated -
"...Former University of Florida signee 4* 6’5 320lbs OL Wardrick Wilson helping North Palm Beach Prep on defense last night. Wilson is playing a prep year to get back in shape after sitting out last season. Wilson will be a 5x4 when be sign with a D1 in December. "

Wardrick,

don't forget the Gators !!

 

[LizardGrad89]

LG89,

Wardrick evidently read your post & agreed with you !

From Wilson's Twitter Account
https://twitter.com/wardrickwilson?lang=en

Michael Tunsil stated -
"...Former University of Florida signee 4* 6’5 320lbs OL Wardrick Wilson helping North Palm Beach Prep on defense last night. Wilson is playing a prep year to get back in shape after sitting out last season. Wilson will be a 5x4 when be sign with a D1 in December. "

Wardrick,

don't forget the Gators !!

Whatever he chooses to do, I wish him the best. Guy's had a lot of crap piled on him. It's time for Karma to work in his favor.