WVU Safety Anthony Wilson Gains Strength, Perspective from Soldiers

Is it possible WVU safety Anthony Wilson could become even tougher? Well, it could happen because of his recent experience with some of Fort Jackson‘s finest.

While many players are taking some time away or just training at home, Wilson worked out at the U.S. Army’s main production center for basic training in Fort Jackson, S.C. Wilson then thanked the soldiers on social media after joining them for morning physical therapy.

“Back at home, it was an honor to join morning PT with the some of Ft. Jackson’s Finest. As I suit up for the 2024 season at WVU Football, these heroes suit up daily and give the ultimate sacrifice! To all who have served and are actively serving, I salute you!,” Wilson on X (Twitter).

Wilson and the shoulders also all shouted “Army song!” in a video together.

Back at home, it was an honor to join morning PT with the some of Ft Jackson's Finest. As I suit up for the 2024 season at WVU Football, these heroes suit up daily and give the ultimate sacrifice!
To all who have served and are actively serving, I salute you! @fortjackson pic.twitter.com/NwawfYc2Jg

— Anthony Wilson ߙ (@AnthonyWilson_4) May 23, 2024

Upon arriving in Morgantown last summer, Anthony Wilson made it known he wants to follow in the footsteps of former Mountaineer Karl Joseph. While those are big shoes to fill, Wilson is coming off a productive 2023 season and feels even more comfortable at WVU as he starts year two.

After needing time to learn his new surroundings last fall, Wilson now feels so comfortable that he believes he can be an even better leader for the defense.

“Just being even a better leader, and help guys that may not understand certain things in our scheme, and allowing guys to play faster,” Wilson explained.

Wilson even touched on what was the most important aspect of joining a new team for him last year.

“Just gelling with the locker room, cause I feel that’s the most important thing with the team. The stronger the locker room, the stronger the bonds are in the locker room, the better your team.”

Feeling Comfortable in WVU’s System Could Unlock Even More from Anthony Wilson in 2024

Wilson may not be able to do exactly what Karl Joseph did in the old gold and blue – the rules of today won’t allow it – but he’s already had an impact as a Mountaineer. The Columbia, S.C. native recorded 80 total tackles and an interception during the 2023 season. He enters his fifth season of college football hungry for more, just like he was when he decided to transfer from Georgia Southern.

“I’ve done everything I had to do at GSU over the past 4 years and I learned a lot. I’m just ready to come in and make an immediate impact. I’m more hungry than ever!,” Wilson said to WV Sports Now during his recruitment. In January, Wilson signed a new NIL deal with Country Roads Trust and will cap off his college career with another season as a Mountaineer.

Something former WVU safeties coach Dontae Wright, who left to become defensive coordinator at Troy after the bowl game, said still rings true today and speaks to what Wilson brings to the table.

“Every day he walks in this building he’s got a chip on his shoulder,” said Wright about Wilson. “When he steps on them lines, it ain’t about friends, it’s about getting better and making sure we’re all on the same page,” he added.

Watch a full press conference with Anthony Wilson from after a spring practice below.