New Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Damon Wilson II channels Hall of Famer Jason Taylor's wisdom, aiming to replicate previous stars' dominant pass-rushing success.
The NFL Draft is two days away, marking a new beginning for several prospects, including former Miami Hurricanes edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. Together, they proved to be dominant forces at the line of scrimmage, causing havoc among opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. However, nothing was self-taught, as both stars had the leadership and guidance of defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
The former six-time Pro Bowler has significant knowledge and experience to pass down to the next generation from playing 15 years in the NFL, 13 with the Miami Dolphins. As Mesidor and Bain Jr. are projected first-round selections, senior edge rusher Damon Wilson II looks to replicate the success they had with the Hurricanes, learning under coach Taylor.
“To have a teacher in him and the people he trained, they performed,” he said following Saturday’s spring game. “To be able to see that, come out here, and be able to mimic what they do–he’s a great coach and he has great people who work underneath him.”
Wilson II joined the program through the transfer portal, coming off a career season with the Missouri Tigers: 23 total tackles, nine solos and 14 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, and an interception, starting in all 13 games played. He earned Southeastern Conference Second-Team honors.
The 21-year-old was limited in the spring game, but left a strong impression on what’s to come as the new season approaches.
Mesidor and Bain Jr. weren’t just productive, but brought a presence that was felt when on the field. Despite the departures, Wilson II doesn’t believe the gap is too far off to carve out similar results.
“I just know that I’m able to do the same thing,” he added. “Having a coach like [Jason Taylor], he’s going to do everything he can to get me in the position where I want to be next year. Knowing that [Mesidor and Bain Jr.] did it, I just know it’s possible.”
Wilson II is a projected starter with junior Marquise Lightfoot on the other side of the edge.
The Hurricanes’ scoring defense underwent a significant turnaround, ranking from 70th to fifth last season. Part of the success was dominating matchups at the line of scrimmage.
As Wilson II enters the final chapter in college football, he looks to make it count with hopes of competing among the best in the nation. The Hurricanes look to return to the College Football Playoffs and complete unfinished business. Wilson II is aligned for a jump in production, hoping it will translate to success on the field.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: