Tallahassee Recruiting Tour: Wakulla

Just 20 minutes south of Tallahassee sits Wakulla High School. Although not as large as programs like Lincoln, Leon and Godby, Wakulla does produce its share of quality recruits. Just a couple years ago former War Eagle Sam McGrew, who will be battling for the starting middle linebacker job this season, signed with the Tribe. Last year the Seminoles offered a scholarship to offensive lineman Jim Tartt, but the three-star guard surprised a lot of people by signing with the Florida Gators.

Once again there are a few Division 1A prospects on the Wakulla roster. Because of that coaches from Florida State, Florida, Syracuse, Maryland, Miami and Central Florida recently stopped by the school as part of the spring evaluation period.

Easily the top senior prospect on the Wakulla roster is running back Briceton Wilson. A good case could be made that the 6-foot-1, 207-pound tailback is the top rusher in the area. He certainly has the numbers to prove it. In his prep career Wilson has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards and scored 50 touchdowns.

"We went to the spread offense, which is a form of the Wing-T and what has made it successful is Briceton Wilson, of course," assistant coach Scott Klees said. "He's our four back and everything goes off of him. He's runs the belly and he's a very tough runner."

Wilson will also be named to the prestigious Super Six list this week on WCTV, which is an award given to the top six prep players in the Tallahassee area.

With several contributors no longer on the team, Wilson will become the focal point of the War Eagle offense in 2004. If he is able to continue to flourish with defenses concentrating on him, the all-state tailback's recruiting stock could skyrocket.

"With Jim (Tartt) gone, the best offensive lineman, I get to find out just how good I really am," Wilson said. "Another thing is we are going to miss Al (Donaldson) a lot. He provided plays just like me and that opened up things a lot."

Not surprisingly, Wilson is getting recruited by just about every major school in the Southeast and Midwest, and received his first offer from Syracuse last week.

"I have letters from everybody except for Florida State and Miami," he said. "Florida is looking at me, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio State, LSU and everybody."

Out of this large group Wilson says Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Clemson are his top schools.

With good friend Jim Tartt headed off to Gainesville, that might give the Gators a slight edge for his services.

"That helps a whole lot," He said. "That's my boy and he's my friend. I'm real interested in Florida."

Wilson, who is being recruited by UF as a safety, plans on attending the Gator Football Camp this summer, and possibly FSU as well.

Wilson admits he might commit early if he gets the right offer and feels comfortable with the coaching staff.

Although there are a few more recruitable prospects on the team, the other senior that really sticks out is wide receiver Roderick Williams. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound athlete had nine touchdown catches and over 500 yards receiving last season.

"He's pretty big," Klees said. "He's probably going to be one of our top receivers."

Like Wilson, Williams is also getting some looks from colleges.

"I'm getting mail from Maryland, N.C. State, West Virginia and got one from Florida," Williams said. "I like Maryland and West Virginia."

Williams plans on attending the Florida Camp this summer, and possibly the Tennessee Camp as well.

Here's a look at a few of Wakulla's other up and coming seniors:

Free safety Mike Montague (5-11/180 4.65) will be a three-year starter this season. He led the team in interceptions the past two seasons. He also plays receiver.

Offensive and defensive lineman Michael Fox (6-2/235) is also entering his third season as a starter. He graded out at 85 percent last season.

Athlete Kerwin Donaldson is cousins with Al Donaldson, who signed with Alabama A&M last February.

Linebacker Josh Barton (6-1/180 4.6) is also an accomplished weight lifter.

There are also a couple highly regarded underclassmen that will be household names in recruiting circles in years to come. Quarterback Tanner Jones, son of head coach J.D. Jones, could be the top junior signal-caller in the area. He threw for approximately 1,700 yards and over 20 touchdowns last year, and as he continues to grow and mature those numbers should increase this year and next.

"He started his freshman and sophomore year and had an unbelievable year last year," Klees said. "For us to get where we want to go, which is the state championship, he's going to have to step it up a little bit. He has all the ability."

Even though Jones will get some attention from college recruiters in 2005, the one player that has the potential to be a five-star recruit is wide receiver Brandon Walker. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, and still growing, plus having blazing speed and athleticism, the sophomore wideout is already getting a lot of attention from major programs.

"He should be a great one," Klees said. "He definitely will be one of our go-to players this year. He will also play defense and start at cornerback."

Wakulla will play Florida High this Thursday night in a spring exhibition game.

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