/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67167086/1187445368.jpg.0.jpg)
A four-star cornerback who received offers from a bevy of brand-name Power 5 programs has decided to play for the UCF Knights.
Coming out of Miami Northwestern High, Divaad Wilson was sought after by the likes of Alabama, Ohio State and Michigan as part of the class of 2018. He ultimately chose to attend the University of Georgia, where he played in 13 games last season as a redshirt freshman.
Last month, Wilson announced his intentions to transfer from Georgia “so I can be closer to home during this time.”
He informed the college football world today that he is ready to become a Knight.
Imma Keep On Doubling Up, Till They Kill Me And That's Facts ⚡️ #LongLiveGranda #LLP #RIPMAL #LONGLIVEJAMES #WOCKWORLD pic.twitter.com/Qp2tO7SzxI
— Divaad "Newt" Wilson #LLP #LLJ (@NikemanNewt) August 6, 2020
In 2017, Wilson received an offer from UCF as well as from the University of Florida, where he was recruited by current Knights defensive coordinator Randy Shannon. Wilson verbally committed to UF in February 2017 but flipped to Georgia right before that year’s early signing period — and right after Shannon left to take his current position at UCF.
According to Rivals’ Brandon Helwig, Wilson arrived on UCF’s campus earlier today. According to Jason Beede of 247 Sports, Wilson intends to file for a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately. As a redshirt sophomore, he has three years of eligibility remaining.
Having Wilson available this year would give UCF an embarrassment of riches at the CB spot. Starters Aaron Robinson, Tay Gowan and Brandon Moore are slated to return, and backup cornerbacks Dyllon Lester and Zamari Maxwell each played in every game last season. But with Robinson, Gowan and Moore all entering their senior seasons, this pickup is about more than compiling talent. The Knights needed to add a play-making cornerback who could be a strong part of the foundation for the next generation of high-quality defensive backfields at UCF. Starting safeties Richie Grant and Antwan Collier are also seniors.
Wilson, at 6 feet tall and 195 pounds, probably made his biggest impact last season versus Notre Dame, which was one of the two games he started. He intercepted a pass in the third quarter, igniting a 16-0 scoring run for the Bulldogs in a 23-17 victory.
Among 2018 recruits, Rivals and 247 Sports each ranked Wilson as a top-30 cornerback and a top-60 player in the state of Florida.