The future stars of Ohio State football officially begin their college careers, as standouts from all over the country put pens to their National Letters of Intent.
Lake Travis five-star wide receiver Garrett Wilson was a top target of Ohio State's for a long time, but that was only amplified when the Buckeyes signed his teammate in the 2018 class, quarterback Matthew Baldwin.
The Wilson File
- Class: 2019
- Size: 6-foot-0, 181 pounds
- Pos: WR
- School: Lake Travis (Austin, TX)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★★
- Composite Rank: 2 (WR)
Tasked with deciding between the only two homes he’s ever known, the five-star wide receiver and Dublin native Wilson committed to Ohio State over finalist Texas.
Wilson was first offered by Ohio State in December, just days after Baldwin committed to the Buckeyes.
“It's huge,” Wilson told Eleven Warriors at the time. “I always went and saw some of the best players play there. I think I can fit that mold. I also have lots of forever friends up there that I'd be able to see more often. [It's a] big offer for me.”
Wilson made his first trip back to Columbus for a spring practice in late March. He was able to spend time with family and friends who’ve remained in the area after he moved to the Lone Star State in sixth grade, then ventured to campus to meet with head coach Urban Meyer, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ryan Day and then-wide receivers coach Zach Smith.
“[They said] that this is a place that’s gonna set me up to be able to get drafted,” Wilson said. “But then if it doesn’t go like that — which it mostly doesn’t — they can set me up with jobs and have connections for me to be successful after football.”
Days later, Wilson announced his Final 2 and set official visits for each program’s Spring Game — with a decision to come shortly thereafter. He returned to Columbus earlier in April with his parents, Kenny and Candice, and the visit exceeded their expectations.
“I didn’t think they’d be able to match the first [visit], but it was really just as good,” Wilson said. “I met a lot of people that meant a lot to the program and just Ohio State as a university.”
: @GarrettWilson_V *UNLOCKED* #Zone6#GoBucks #Dynasty19 #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/YVINo8QL8s
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 19, 2018
The highlight of Wilson’s weekend came when he met New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, who was among the dozens of former Buckeyes who now play in the National Football League in attendance.
“We really just talked like we had known each other for forever,” Wilson said. “He really surprised me with how it was just regular conversation flow and nothing forced. I wouldn’t say he had a main message [for me], but just that the competition here makes you better.”
Wilson then committed to Ohio State on April 29, becoming the first wide receiver pledge in the Buckeyes 2019 class.
However, after a few months of silent activity, all hell broke loose when Smith was fired due to domestic violence accusations, and Meyer was suspended three games for his role in the process.
Through it all, however, Wilson remained solid to Ohio State, offering no qualms that he was even considering a flip.
Im SOLID. Please stop asking #GoBucks
— Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) July 23, 2018
"Sad to hear it, but it has no impact on my recruitment," Wilson told Eleven Warriors. "I'm solid."
After another few months of silence, Meyer announced that he would be retiring effective after the Rose Bowl. Again, Wilson insisted he would be sticking with Ohio State, due in part to a strong relationship with soon-to-be Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.
I am 1000% committed to Ohio State University. Much love @OSUCoachMeyer
— Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) December 4, 2018
Wilson is yet another five-star talent that the Buckeyes have secured, and one who will be key in the wide receiver room for at least the next three seasons.
