Mack Wilson has never lacked confidence.
Hailing from Montgomery, Ala., the former five-star came up huge down the stretch last season for the University of Alabama in its run to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Despite suffering a foot injury, Wilson had somewhat of a breakout sophomore year totaling 40 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, four interceptions (team-high) and a defensive touchdown. He secured a pick off the arm of Clemson’s quarterback Kelly Bryant in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and returned it for a score in the third quarter.
Wilson’s coverage and ball skills stretched the Crimson Tide’s lead to 24-6, and it would ultimately win by the self-same score as Alabama punched it ticket to Atlanta.
With him being fully healthy going into the spring, Wilson has set a goal for himself upon entering his junior season. Along with the goal, the 6-foot-2 linebacker took to social media in making a bold declaration that would cause a smile to come on Reuben Foster’s face.
I am THE best linebacker in the country. 💯🙏🏾 #DickButkus #JuniorYearMoneyYear💰⌚️
— Mack Wilson Sr. (@5mackwilson1) January 24, 2018
Since the award was first presented in 1985, Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013) and Foster (2016) represent the Tide as winners of the Dick Butkus Award – which is presented annually to college football’s top linebacker. From idolizing Foster on the field to now being the man, Wilson will have his chance to grab all headlines next fall.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
