2025’s Ian Wilson has his sights set on being a future star at USF

Aug 27, 2023

Ian Wilson is one of the best players from the Tampa, FL area in the Class of 2025.

The 5-foot-3, 123-pound Wilson, who attends Safety Harbor Middle School, is a dynamic player that works on both sides of the ball as a fullback and linebacker.

Wilson, who plays for the Westchase Colts, has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding youth football career, such as:

PPAL: Defensive MVP 2014 Junior Fly weights

PPAL: Defensive MVP 2016 Fly Weights

PPAL: Offensive MVP 2015 Fly weights

PPAL: Defensive MVP Junior Fly Weights Superbowl

2015 PPAL Fly Weights Pro Bowl

2016 PPAL Fly Weights Pro Bowl

Wilson is humbled by the accolades.

“I felt great being recognized for my abilities and my hard work,” Wilson said. “In the pro bowl, I enjoyed the experience. I felt like a star; however, I was uncomfortable because I was playing with other players from different teams.”

No matter the opponent, on each snap Wilson is determined to give it his all.

Wilson is going all out.

The motor is always at full throttle whenever Wilson steps between the lines.

“On offense, I do my best to remember the plays and who to block,” Wilson said. “On defense, I do my best to remember my alignments and assignments.”

Wilson has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Wilson tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.

“I love playing football because I like the physical contact,” Wilson said. “I love to compete and win games with my teammates. I love celebrating with my teammates in the locker room after big victories.”

Wilson has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.

The main one is applying perspective to all situations.

“Football has taught me so much about life in general,” Wilson said. “Playing football has taught me to learn from my mistakes. Playing football has also taught me to overcome challenges.”

Wilson recalls his favorite football memory.

“My favorite memory of playing football is my first touchdown,” Wilson said. “I say it is my favorite memory because I was given the opportunity to showcase my talents on offense.”

Chuck McLeod has coached Wilson for two years with the Westchase Colts organization.

McLeod explains the best parts of Wilson’s game.

“Running back - runs down hill and quickly makes his cut one way or the other without hesitation. That’s hard for young players. They get caught up trying to score every play. Ian is worried about getting positive yards,” McLeod said. “Linebacker - great field awareness. He also is great on the backside of the play. He doesn’t over run the play and is always in the right place when the running back tries to cut back.”

Wilson takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Wilson makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.

“I demonstrate being a good teammate by playing the positions my coaches tell me to play. I do not complain about my coaches decisions,” Wilson said. “The best advice I have given my teammates is to play hard to the end of the game.”

McLeod adds that Wilson is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.

“Ian is a lead by example guy. First captain we named in 2018,” McLeod said. “Other kids respected him by watching his work ethic and his efforts every practice.”

Wilson is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.

“I have learned from my coaches to be a team player, and to be a leader,” Wilson said. “The best advice my coaches have given me is to see the ball while I am playing on defense.”

McLeod is an advocate of Wilson’s capabilities.

“In our conference playoff games he made several big tackles against an incredible back from the Manatee Mustangs. His physical play vs. them really showed in the second half,” McLeod said. “They were physical whipped and Ian’s play in the first half had a lot to do with that.”

In addition to making clutch plays, Wilson also has a high level of football IQ as well.

Wilson has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.

“Ian’s football IQ is on display every time he plays,” McLeod said. “He does the things that most younger players struggle with.”

Wilson is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.

“His work ethic is incredible. And to be honest the credit goes to Gary Givens who trains him in the offseason,” McLeod said. “His speed and strength has improved tenfold over the last year.

McLeod explains why he compares Wilson to this player.

“I’d compare him to Derrick Brooks. Fast, athletic, quiet leader, great teammate,” McLeod said. “He’s able to do similar things at his age level.”

Wilson patterns his mentality after this standout.

“I look up to Ray Lewis because he is physical, and he is a leader on the field,” Wilson said. “I like the way he motivates his teammates.”

Wilson is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.

“On the field I want to be a great student-athlete,” Wilson said. “Off the field, I want to work towards being a firefighter.”

Wilson explains his collegiate aspirations.

“My dream college is University of South Florida,” Wilson said. “This is my dream college because my parents are graduates of USF.”

Wilson lists math as his favorite subject in school.

“I like math because I like numbers,” Wilsons said. “Math is a very important subject that you need to know in life.”

McLeod is confident Wilson will continue to develop as he gets older.

“I feel like there’s no specific area of needed improvement,” McLeod said. “As he continues to train he will continue to master the craft.”

McLeod believes the sky is the limit as long as Wilson continues to stay hungry.

“Ian has big time potential at a number of positions: running back, linebacker, tight end, strong safety, etc. He will play wherever you ask as well. He would play center if you asked without hesitation,” McLeod said. “He comes from a great family that pushes him both athletically and academically.”

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