Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports Dontre Wilson was supposed to be the next Percy Harvin. At least, that was the expectation when the talented all-purpose back committed to Ohio State in February 2013. As a 4-star prospect out of DeSoto, Texas, Wilson possessed a blend of speed and playmaking ability that made the comparison both simple and plausible. But Wilson, on the brink of his junior season with the Buckeyes, has failed to stuff the stat sheet like Harvin did for the Florida Gators. He’s flashed the ability to hurt opposing defenses, but his numbers fall short when compared to the former Florida great. And that’s not entirely his fault. When Wilson first arrived in Columbus as a freshman, it didn’t take long for his teammates to notice his talent. Speaking at Big Ten media days in July 2013, upperclassmen were raving about the young athlete. “Dontre looks to be a special player,” safety Christian Bryant said, according to Doug Lesmerises of Northeast Media Group. “With the speed and his agility, just when he catches the ball, you can just see how he moves. He’s going to be a special player.” “I feel like he better be starting this year,” quarterback Braxton Miller added, via Lesmerises. “He’s fast, man. I’m glad to have him on my team.” Wilson didn’t start in 2013 or make the immediate impact some envisioned. Playing the role of decoy as Miller and Carlos Hyde shattered school rushing records, Wilson registered just 460 yards from scrimmage to complement three total touchdowns. Jeff Haynes/Associated Press/Associated Press Dontre Wilson flashed potential during his freshman season, but he didn’t make the instant impact many expected. “I just didn’t feel like I was that involved,” Wilson said of his freshman season, according to Daniel Rogers of The Lantern. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Realistic Expectations for Dontre Wilson in 2015
