Oct. 14, 2006

Edward "Ed" Wilson, a senior captain on the 2006 football team is someone everyone sees but knows nothing about. Wilson, 27, is the second oldest player on the team. As the saying goes: `With age, comes experience", and Ed has a lot of experience.

A 1997 graduate of Mt. Pleasant/Lee Central High School in Elliott, S.C. 20 miles from Sumter, and 2.5 hours from Charlotte, N.C., Wilson obtained a scholarship to attend Claflin University. His scholarship was not for football as one would imagine, it was for singing. That's right; Ed is a bona fide singer. Unfortunately, he turned down the scholarship. "I was not focused, and I did not want to do that at the time. I would have attended [Claflin] because that is what everyone wanted to me to do, not what I wanted to do."

Fast forward to June of 2003. The less than focused Wilson got caught up in some trouble. Then the light went off in his head; he needed a change. So the now 24-year old contacted one of his high school coaches and two months later, Wilson packed his things and moved to Ely, Minnesota, home of Vermillion Community College.

While at Vermillion, Wilson was named first team all-conference at the linebacker position. He was also pre-season All-America (2004). He was involved in activities outside the football field. He was the Student Senate President and resident advisor. He also spoke to Rotary businesses and read to 7th graders every Tuesday and Friday. He received an associate of arts in liberal arts from Vermillion and it was time to make a decision.

Fortunately for JCSU, Ed's decision was to move closer to home and he ended up at Johnson C. Smith University in 2005. "Ed is a hard worker and good example for everybody on the team," commented fellow linebacker and senior Samuel Howard. The two developed a friendship that extends beyond the football field. They regard the other as one of their closest teammates and friends.

"I encourage all my teammates and others to stay positive and focused regardless of the obstacles they may face. It is easy to be steered in the wrong direction."

As of press time, Wilson is the number two defender in all of Division II with 60 total tackles.

"I love my coaches and teammates," remarked Wilson. "I feel proud to be a team captain. From my experience, I know I can handle the responsibilities."

The son of Geneva Wilson Rogers, is a physical education major who loves to work with children and in the church. He attends University Park Baptist Church and is a loving father.