By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Big things are expected from big No. 95 this season.
C.J. Wilson, the defensive end who wears No. 95 for the East Carolina Pirates, received numerous honors for his play last year. The former Northside High School star will likely get plenty more at season’s end.
The 6-4, 271-pound Wilson feels the same way.
Wilson had a solid 2008 season, where he led the Pirates with 10.5 sacks (for 61 yards in loss) and 18.5 tackles-for-loss (for 84 yards). He also recorded 70 tackles, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
The affable Wilson, who plays the piano with as much passion as he does taking down quarterbacks, earned C-USA First Team honors by league coaches and by Phil Steele Magazine. Additionally, Wilson was named to the 2008 Collegefootballnews.com All C-USA First Team.
Wilson isn’t about to rest on his laurels.
Wilson, whose stellar play helped the Pirates win a C-USA championship last year, has 21.5 sacks, 35 tackles-for-loss, 21 quarterback hurries and 133.5 tackles in his career. His play has improved dramatically with each passing season.
It’s that kind of attitude that Holtz loves to see from his players.
Wilson’s football career will likely continue next year. While he could be a first or second-round pick in next year’s NFL draft, Wilson isn’t thinking about that just yet.
Wilson plans to make the most out of his senior season.
Holtz is thankful he’ll be able to coach Wilson one more season.