Michigan Football: Five 2020 signees that could make an early impact
Roman Wilson
Next time you hear someone say speed in space, think Roman Wilson – the six-foot-tall star from Hawaii that runs a verified 4.37 forty.
Recruiting websites:
Blair Angulo from 247 sport had this to say in his evaluation of Wilson:
"Thin build, with frame to add mass without sacrificing explosiveness. Electric playmaker with lightning in his cleats. Elite quickness and speed to stretch the defense. Changes directions remarkably well and can make defenders miss in space. Knack for getting open underneath on short routes and threat to score from anywhere. Improved technical ability and route running skills, with savvy to wiggle his way through traffic. Very good hands, but could be more reliable. Could improve as a run blocker. Potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level and projected NFL Draft Day 3 selection."
Per 247 sports, Wilson is ranked 3rd in-state, the 57th WR, and 348th nationally with four-stars and an 8928 composite score. Rivals has Roman slightly lower with three-stars, 75th positionally, and 5th in-state.
Matt’s musings
As we all know, Josh Gattis loves speed and Roman Wilson is the epitome of speed and quickness. Once he has the ball, it’s not about what angle the defensive backs take to hunt down Wilson, mostly because he’s the fastest man on the field and angles won’t help. Opposing coordinators will pray that when Wilson is running down the field he is extremely tired or trips and tackles himself.
Surely there will be stiff competition for playing time among the very talented receiver corps in Ann Arbor. Donovan Peoples-Jones being the one major departure was mildly surprising considering the career Nico Collins has had, though Wilson isn’t the same type of player as Nico and he likely won’t be jostling for the same spot.
Wilson is a shorter, slot receiver type guy that will act as a dump-off YAC specialist with the occasional release to keep the defense on their toes.
2020 impact prediction
Roman won’t see playing time until later in the season when he breaks out for somewhere around 20 catches and well over 300 yards with a couple of touchdowns. Wilson and Mike Sainristil will compete for the starting slot position which will ultimately be left to Roman for years to come.