Signing Day 2015: Brandon Wilson

Written By Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

Brandon Wilson, DE, West Orange HS, Winter Garden, FL, 247 Sports Composite Ranking: 3-Star

Wilson committed to the Hoosiers on January 4th after de-committing from the Virginia Cavaliers on the very same day. His decision to flip to Indiana came three weeks after his official visit to Bloomington, where he got to meet fellow recruits and talk to the coaching staff. At 6-foot 4, 240 pounds, Wilson could play in the Bandit position or at defensive end for the Hoosiers. He has a knack for locating the ball and reading plays, as demonstrated in his highlight tape. In a Scout.com Spotlight Video, Wilson talked about his playing style and what assets he would bring to a team “I like to play fast, I like to be physical,” Wilson said. “My greatest strength is getting after the quarterback and chasing plays down. I like to make hustle plays.” While Wilson was able to rely on his speed and strength to be an effective pass rusher in high school, to be productive in college he will need to further develop the variety of moves he employs to get pressure on the quarterback in college. Going against college offensive lineman that are bigger, faster, and stronger than what he saw in high school, will call for greater creativity and diversity in how he gets to the quarterback. However, despite being somewhat raw, Wilson will have good opportunity to see the field this fall, as the Hoosiers are constantly looking for ways to get additional pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  In the 2015 class, Wilson ranks as the 53rd best strong side defensive end in the nation according to 247 Sports. In addition to Indiana and Virginia, the talented defensive end held offers from Appalachian State, Boston College, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Kentucky, Marshall, Memphis, Mississippi State, UNC, Purdue, South Alabama, USF, UAB, UCF, Western Michigan and Wisconsin.