Albert Wilson is completing a remarkable career as one of the original members of the Georgia State football program. His football statistics are making him gain national attention. He has potential for an NFL career. The 5-9 speedy receiver/returner has persevered through a remarkable childhood to get himself to this point. GeorgiaStateSports.com is providing a four-part series to document his journey toward Saturday's Senior Day. After starting with his Florida childhood, this chapter looks at his training methods and his speed. Here is Part 2 of “From escape routes to pass routes.”
Albert Wilson is always one of the fastest players -- if not the fastest -- on the football field. And, his pass route running seems to get him open often. His breakaway speed makes him dangerous for the big play as a pass receiver, runner or a returner. So, how did that develop?
“I think my calves are larger than most receivers or defensive backs and that probably starts a little with my heritage since my mother is of Samoan heritage and my dad's calves are pretty good size, too, so genetics has a role,” he noted.
“But I have always worked on my leg strength in little ways my whole life. I remember when I watched TV, I'd do calf raises when commercials came on and then sit back down. Then, more commercials and more leg lifts. My body core has always been strong from sit-ups and work outs and things.”
He got in shape as a youngster in the Florida heat and worked to get better. It has paid off in college.
“Here at Georgia State, we do things like run 330-yard dashes 12 straight times and all 12 have to be under 60 seconds. That gets your mind strong as you get tired. If you get tired, you think about getting your back straight, your knees up and push through it. Then, playing football in less than 100-yard spurts becomes easier,” Wilson explained.
In track, everyone likes to do the 100- and 200-meter sprints because they are short and explosive.
“Coach told me to run the hurdles, so my form was horrible when I started. But, I worked and worked and became ranked in the state in the hurdles in the 110- and 300-meters,” Wilson noted. “That's a result of leg strength to go with the form. I also was a triple jump champion, which requires strong leg muscles, too. Then, when I tried the 100- and 200-meter sprints, I was even faster and won a bunch of races."
On the football field, Wilson played cornerback in high school along with quarterback. It has translated well.
“Having played cornerback, I know when I line up as a receiver what most defensive backs are thinking and what they have been taught,” Wilson explained. “There are a lot of little things to observe. Whether he's inside or outside of me, tips me off to whether he's in man or zone. Watching the safeties line up, I can usually tell if it is Cover 2 or where they are going. I kind of figure out what they think their responsibility is supposed to be from their coaches based on how they line up or make their first move.
“And, of course, playing quarterback and watching the receivers' routes to know where to lead them and throw the ball helps a lot in the understanding, too, as to what the quarterback is looking at when he sees my route.” Wilson added.
Let the record show that defensive back Wilson had six pass interceptions as a senior, so he does know something about covering a receiver like himself.
Wilson has achieved a lot of success through constant change at Georgia State. He's had multiple head coaches and position coaches. He's had about as many different quarterbacks throwing him the ball in college as he had foster care homes as a child. It has been constant change. But, in spite of that, Wilson preserved and worked through it.
“We practice hard and the quarterbacks and receivers just have to work extra during the summers, after a practice, or whenever we can to improve some of our timing stuff,” Wilson said. “Heck yes, one coach and one quarterback for a whole career would be ideal, but if anyone knows about things changing, it is probably me. So, I've made the best of it and it has worked out pretty good.”
Special teams and returns are the same. “I rely on my teammates' blocks and just trust that the guys wearing the same color jersey are going to give it their all and help spring me through a hole,” Wilson noted. “I know if I get a little hole and get into daylight, my track speed can be put to good use.”
The time is the film room is not wasted on Wilson, either.
“You can learn a lot by breaking down the opponent on the film,” he agreed. “Even this last year I have learned more from my coach (Keary Colbert) who was an NFL receiver. He's shown me more on film, helped with my footwork and steps and I feel smarter and more prepared when I take the field.”
Wilson was asked how to describe himself as to whether he is quick versus fast. His response was typically understated, but accurate.
“I guess I run a quick route, then I hit full speed,” he said. “I kind of think I have another gear when I really get going in the open field and not all players have that extra burst.”
Part 2 has shown Wilson's escape routes on the football field. Check back Thursday for Part 3 of “From Escape Routes to Pass Routes” for an examination of where Wilson's exploits rank in NCAA history.
