Johnny Wilson developed into one of the most reliable targets in the country with the Florida State Seminoles after a stuttering start to his career at Arizona State.
The college stats showcase how Wilson turned adversity early in his career with the Sun Devils into a flourishing career in Tallahassee.
Johnny Wilson’s Pandemic Impacted Freshman Season
Wilson was recruited as a four-star prospect from Calabasas High School in California. After accumulating 35 offers, he committed to the Oregon Ducks early. However, Wilson flipped his commitment to Arizona State after his senior high school season.
The Pac-12 played a reduced season in 2020 because of the global pandemic, so Wilson had only limited opportunities to showcase his abilities in his true freshman season.
He registered just six catches for 89 yards in two games. His first catch came against the UCLA Bruins, where the receiver had four catches for 39 yards. The following week, he had two catches for 50 yards against the inter-state rival Arizona Wildcats.
Receptions: 6
Receiving Yards: 89
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Injury Ends Wilson’s Sophomore Year
Arizona State failed to get the best of Wilson during his career with the Sun Devils. He competed in just four games in 2021 after being sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered in Week 4 against Colorado, which he couldn’t recover from.
Wilson did, however, show flashes at the start of the season to illustrate why he was such a highly touted recruit. His first touchdown came against the UNLV Rebels, where he had four receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown, and he amassed 154 receiving yards in four games.
Bringing an end to a disappointing start to his college career, Wilson entered the transfer portal at the end of the season. Having redshirted in 2021 and regained a year of eligibility due to the global pandemic, he had plenty of time to turn his career around in a new home.
Receptions: 12
Receiving Yards: 154
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Wilson Reenergizes Junior Year By Transfering To Florida State
Wilson’s swift decision to sign with Florida State after entering the transfer portal was a game-changer. It breathed new life into his career and led to a significant boost in his production and game time.
Wilson’s junior year was a turning point in his college career. He started all 13 games and won FSU Offensive Newcomer of the Year for his fantastic production. He led the Seminoles with 43 receptions for 897 yards, ranking him seventh in the ACC.
Three games with 100 yards or more ensued, and the best game of Wilson’s career came in the Cheez-It Bowl against Oklahoma, where he caught eight passes for 202 yards. Wilson ended his career-high year as a second-team All-ACC selection.
Receptions: 43
Receiving Yards: 897
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
Playoff Controversy Ends Wilson’s Senior Season
In 2023, FSU had high expectations for a playoff push, and Wilson played a crucial role in their success. His production, combined with the performance of his teammate Keon Coleman, helped the Seminoles maintain an explosive offense and finish the season undefeated.
Wilson had 41 receptions for 617 yards in 10 starts in 2023, finishing second on the team in both metrics. The receiver registered two games with 100-plus yards against LSU and Boston College, with his only two touchdowns on the year coming against Virginia Tech.
KEEP READING: Florida State Seminoles Coaching Staff 2024
Despite a stellar undefeated season, the Seminoles were heartbreakingly left out of the College Football Playoff, marking the end of Wilson’s college career on a bittersweet note.
Wilson’s exceptional performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors despite missing out on a postseason berth. He was also recognized with the prestigious Crenshaw Award and Bobby Bowden Leadership Award.
Receptions: 41
Receiving Yards: 617
Receiving Touchdowns: 2
Wilson’s Final College Stats
Receptions: 102
Receiving Yards: 1,757
Receiving Touchdowns: 8
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