MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Amid all the hoopla over Georgia’s incoming defensive backs, there’s a player who has already been on campus for nearly two years worth keeping an eye on.
Jarvis Wilson, a sophomore safety, has been practicing very well. In fact, when starting safety Dominick Sanders was asked to name a young defensive back taking advantage of more practice time, Sanders had a quick answer.
“Jarvis Wilson,” he said. “He’s a guy that’s putting in time in the film room. He’s learning from not only me but the older guys in the front end and the back end. He’s learning a defense, and he’s really been improving.”
Wilson plays strong safety, a spot that could be up for grabs this spring and summer. Quincy Mauger and Aaron Davis have split the snaps there this year, and Mauger’s a senior, while Davis has graduated and hasn’t declared he’ll return either. Davis could also move down to star, which is definitely going to be open with Maurice Smith a senior. And Sanders, who is the starting free safety, is a candidate to turn pro.
Yes, there are talented recruits on the way, including Richard LeCounte, and Georgia is also chasing Deangelo Gibbs and Tray Bishop. But Wilson, who enrolled early in 2015, has a good head start. A native of Tupelo, Miss., Wilson played in every game this year, mostly on special teams, but has been running second-team safety almost all season.
“He’s a guy that’s going to give his all for the team,” Sanders said. “Really nice guy. He does his thing on and off the field. He’s improving well and you can see it. The main thing I tell him is to keep focusing, and be patient. His time is coming, and he’s going to be a big threat for Georgia too.”