Seffner has become a must-stop destination for defensive college coaches.
Under Ed Davis, Armwood has long been a Florida high school football playoff staple and defensive juggernaut. In last year’s 13-1 season, the Hawks pitched six shutouts, and more than seven points just three times.
Armwood defense saw four players sign to play Division I football, and have just as much elite talent returning this year. Few names are bigger than Theo Wilson, middle linebacker and last year’s leading tackler.
Wilson (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) was invaluable for what was arguably the best defense in Florida last year. He had 96 tackles, 34 tackles for loss with a team high 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. The composite three-star is ranked as the No. 47 overall player in the USA TODAY Florida Top 100. After falling in last year’s state semifinal to West Boca in a slugfest, Wilson says this defense is primed for another run at a state title.
“We have the same returning defense,” Wilson said. “The front seven is the same as it was two years ago. So really just building on that chemistry and building on it every week. (This spring has been about) really just making sure the defense is set,” Wilson said. “Making sure all the calls are right, making sure everybody knows their assignments and just becoming a better leader. Just being more vocal, too.”
Theo Wilson recruiting: Where’s he headed?
Wilson’s recruitment increased rapidly after a standout junior campaign, and he fielded offers from the likes of Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Wisconsin.
Frontrunners are starting to emerge for Wilson, who confirmed to USA TODAY that he canceled his official visit to Missouri. He now has visits set to Virginia, North Carolina, Louisville and LSU.
Louisville has been recruiting the Sunshine State at a high clip this cycle, and is well positioned for Wilson. The Cardinals currently hold three Florida Top 100 commitments and were among the first Power 4 programs to extend an offer to Wilson.
“(Defensive line coach Mark Ivey) is actually the coach I’ve known for the longest in my recruitment process,” Wilson said. “We’ve been in contact for two years now, since my freshman spring. So me and him have a good connection, the same with (linebackers coach Adam Mueller).”
LSU is set to host Wilson on June 19, and Lane Kiffin’s son, linebacker coach Chris, is leading the recruitment. Many official visits are a sort of try-out for recruits, and Wilson is hoping his trip to Baton Rouge gives him a chance at the SEC power.
“I just had a good conversation with Coach Chris at practice yesterday,” Wilson said. “I’m just looking for an opportunity going to LSU. I’m looking for an opportunity.”
Virginia, under Tony Elliot, has not recruited Florida too heavily, but they remain high on Wilson’s board. He confirmed an official visit for May 29.
“Virginia has been with me since like the beginning of my junior year, they came in early my junior year,” he said. “(Linebackers coach Mike Adams) has been really doing the right things.”
Wilson has shined at middle linebacker for Armwood, and legendary coach Bill Belichick and his staff intend on keeping him there. The Tar Heels will host him on June 5.
“They value that mike position a lot, so I’m looking forward to seeing what that’s about.”
Wilson is planning to make a college decision before the start of the fall season.
Errol Demontagnac (No. 48) is another player coaches regularly check in on at Armwood. the 6-3, 290-pound defensive lineman registered a team-best 14 sacks last year. He has official visits set to Nebraska, Virginia, Florida State, and Illinois.
Judah Gumbs (6-7, 290-pound offensive tackle) has seen his recruitment explode this offseason, and has reeled in over 18 offers since his first arrived in January. Mississippi State is the latest to join a list that includes Syracuse, Wake Forest, USF, Tulane, and Memphis.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Armwood LB Theo Wilson eyes state title, Power 4 college offers
Reporting by Nick Wilson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
