Mack daddy: Linebacker Wilson making an impact as a rookie
Mack Wilson scored his first collegiate touchdown against Kent State, just four games into his young University of Alabama career. The 1-yard pass wasn’t intended for the true freshman, though. It was meant for tight end O.J. Howard.
Unaware Howard was behind him, Wilson snagged the ball, thinking better safe than sorry so an interception didn’t result. He wasn’t going to waste the opportunity either.
“I’m happy that he was able to score a touchdown,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said after the game. “I’m also happy that he was able to play a significant amount on defense as well, which will certainly help his development.”
Defense is Wilson’s home. He’s a linebacker. In fact, the Montgomery native was a five-star recruit who was slated at No. 26 in the Rivals100 and ranked as the No. 4 outside linebacker. The potential is there.
But with players like Reuben Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Raashan Evans in front of him, Wilson knew he'd have to wait his turn at the linebacker position.
“You’ve got to work for it,” Wilson said. “So I just worked for everything I’ve got.”
The rookie’s willingness to be versatile has allowed him to see playing time in every game this season, even if it wasn’t always at his position of choice.
That includes filling in at fullback for the offense in red-zone situations, which is how he grabbed the touchdown reception. He also had a big block against Western Kentucky that allowed running back Bo Scarbrough to score on a 2-yard run.
He also plays on special teams. He had a career-high two tackles against Texas A&M on kickoff coverage, and they were both huge hits. The UA coaching staff named Wilson a special teams player of the week after his performance against the Aggies.
“That just goes to show Mack is an athlete,” Evans said. “Whatever he is on the field, he can play it.”
Leading up to that Texas A&M game, Wilson had a feeling he was going to have a good game. He doesn’t lack confidence, that’s just who he is.
When Wilson joined the Crimson Tide, he estimates that he weighed 251 pounds. He knew he had to lose weight because he felt he was slacking on some of the summer running. Now, the Alabama roster lists him at 244, but he’s 10 pounds lighter.
Not only does Wilson feel better, there is an outward improvement.
“He’s grown into a full-grown man,” Evans said. “He takes full responsibility for his actions.”
Evans, who has three years in the Alabama system, expects Wilson to become an even stronger athlete than he already is. He can’t wait for Wilson’s time to shine.
Neither can Wilson. Until then, however, he plans to continue working hard and remaining humble in hope that his coaches recognize his dedication.
Patience, he understands, is a virtue.
“It’s really tough, but I like challenges,” Wilson said. “I don’t like anything given to me.”