Gopher Linebacker Hopes To Hear Name At NFL Draft
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The NFL draft is two weeks away, and one Gopher is hoping to hear his name.
Middle linebacker Damien Wilson flourished this season, and now he's training and preparing for a shot at the big time.
"It's what you've always dreamed of, but at the same time it's a little stressful because you don't know where you're going, when you're going," he said. "But I'm enjoying the process -- just getting stronger, getting better, getting ready for the NFL."
He's also been watching old films, to expand his football IQ.
"I guess it's just a late learning process," he said.
Among the things working in his favor -- he played in what has become a respected program with the Gophers, and that matters.
"It helps a lot. I mean, I played on a good team, great guys. A couple of them will be in the same situation next year," Wilson said. "When you win, it catches people's eyes. We won quite a few big games this year, and I'm pretty sure it helped capture a lot of these teams' eyes."
Despite his big success this year, he's getting advice from NFL coaches and still working to improve.
"I talked to a couple teams, and from what I understand it's getting better with my hands," he said. "So I'm working every day to get better with my hands, get more physical with my hands. Other than that, I think I'll be fine."
Wilson says playing football in college was already a big goal achieved, and now he's setting his sights even higher.
"I used to play flag football, and then I just fell in love with it," he said. "I always said to myself that this is what I wanted to do. Whenever I get the chance, this is where I want to be, and I'm just so close right now."
Wilson is also a cousin to Gopher running back David Cobb, and says they work out together.
He's projected to be a late round or undrafted free agent, but will definitely be in a camp.