ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Each of the past two years, Roman Wilson has entered Week 5, but he’s exited because of it.
Though he’s returned later in the year each of the past two seasons, Wilson has found himself injured coming out of Week 5. He had a broken bone in his hand or wrist area in 2021, and suffered concussion symptoms, on top of being sick, in 2022.
This year, he hopes that won’t be the case and that he’ll be able to remain healthy all season long.
“A little bit just being unlucky. I mean, I can’t really do anything about breaking a bone or getting sick,” Wilson said. “That’s just unlucky. So I mean, I do everything I can to stay healthy and I’ve kind of taken the extra step this year to go even farther. So it’s not really frustrating. It’s just unlucky. God’s plan.”
Because of in-season mishaps as such, Wilson hasn’t been able to fully realize his potential. He has a skill set that’s unlike the other Michigan wide receivers and is poised for a breakout season that could put him on the lips of anyone who watches college football.
In order to become that go-to, No. 1 receiver though, Wilson had to put in the work this spring, and he feels like he’s accomplished what he’s needed to this offseason to enjoy the fruits of his labor this fall.
“Started off my spring — I feel like I had a great spring. Man, I tell you, it’s been one of my best springs just like, production-wise,” Wilson said. “That’s why I feel like it’s gonna take my game to the next level being a more dependable, reliable receiver. I feel like I can step into that role of being J.J.’s go-to guy if that’s what he wants — I’m ready for that. And I feel like that’s what’s going to take me to the next level.”
But what haven’t we seen from Wilson to this point? As he notes, he doesn’t have many weaknesses. Though he’s worked to get even better this offseason, he’s hoping that the 2023 season will exemplify his many strengths, solidifying himself as a well-rounded, all-around playmaker, perhaps not just at the wide receiver position.
“If you’ve watched my game, you put me in that category. I’m a fast guy. Well, I’m not just a fast guy like — I can come out of the backfield, I can play wideout and play slot, I am fast and can go up and get the ball and I can run up and get the catch, I’ve got great hands. It’s who I am. I feel like I separate. I feel like everyone’s missing something (but) I don’t feel like I miss too much.”
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