There have been outstanding freshmen performances on big national stages around the country this fall. But the instant impact from the high school ranks hasn’t been relegated to BCS programs. Outside of the national glare, a number of non-BCS true freshmen have emerged as prospects that could be contributing at any program in the country.
Jaime Wilson is Western Michigan's leading receiver as a freshman.
Today we take a look at Western Michigan’s Jaime Wilson.
Vitals:
Wide receiver, 5-11, 197-pounds
High School: Glades Central (Belle Glades, Fla.)
247Sports rating: 3-stars (87), No. 63 in the state of Florida
247Composite rating: 3-stars (.8458), No. 107 in the state of Florida
Freshman highlights
Simply put, Wilson has been the top offensive option for Western Michigan this fall as a true freshman.
In nine games, Wilson leads the team in receiving with 718 yards on 60 catches. His receiving yardage total is just over 100 yards less than Western Michigan’s leading rusher and his touchdown total of six is second only to short-yardage back Antoin Scriven’s seven. All of those numbers come while missing significant time due to injury.
Wilson also has been a factor in the return game. With 15 punt returns for 204 yards, his 13.6-yard-per-return average is good for 15th in the nation.
His highlights haven’t come strictly against MAC opponents either. Three of Wilson’s most productive outings have been against UConn, Minnesota and Illinois.
High School video
Top performances
vs. Illinois – 8 catches for 54 yards and one touchdown
vs. Eastern Illinois – 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns, three punt returns for 104 yards with a long return of 48.
vs. Minnesota – 10 catches for 117 and one touchdown
vs. UConn – 8 catches for 100 and 24 punt return yards
vs. Toledo – 10 catches for 103 and one touchdown
vs. UMass – 4 catches for 88 yards and 1 TD, 5 punt returns for 45 yards.
Recruitment
Despite a productive career at the talent hotbed of Glades Central High School, Wilson only had three scholarship offers from which to choose: Western Michigan, Marshall and Memphis. At varying points in his recruitment, Wilson looked poised to potentially commit to Miami and to Florida but academic concerns limited the major college interest.
The three-star prospect committed to Western Michigan just a week before National Signing Day
247Sports on Wilson
“There’s nothing that really stands out about Wilson as far as elite size or elite speed but he has a terrific feel for the wide receiver position, an understanding of how to get open and sure hands when the ball arrives. When he turns it on, Wilson also has a fierce competitive mentality. He simply couldn’t be slowed on Saturday.” – Barton Simmons, March, 2011 at the Badger 7on7 Southeast Regional
“Nipping at the heels of (Herb) Waters for the top receiver on the day was Glades Central’s Jaime Wilson. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder just glides through his routes effortlessly and may have the best hands in the area. Though not quite as athletic as Waters, his speed is adequate and strength is above average” – Luke Stampini, March 2011 at the Miami Nike Football Training Camp
“Wilson is a receiver whose offer list should be better than it is. He is a vacuum when the ball comes his way always bringing it in with keen eye-hand coordination. He does a good job of getting himself open whether it is by running a precise route or working his way behind the defense. Wilson is very good at creating separation and bringing the ball in.” – Chris Nee (while with another network), December 2011 at the Nike South Florida All-Star Game.
- Barton Simmons
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports