Wilder picks FSU

Posted Aug 18, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Aug 18, 2010 at 05:26 PM

James Wilder Jr. didn’t have Georgia on his mind.

A report surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the Plant two-way starter would commit to the University of Georgia, but Wilder surprised everyone when he announced his commitment to Florida State during a press conference Wednesday in Plant High’s auditorium.

Wilder picked the Seminoles over Florida and Georgia. At Georgia, Wilder would have joined former Plant standouts Aaron Murray and Orson Charles, who as actually very helpful to Wilder during the recruiting process.

Throughout the process, which included more than 60 Division I offers, Wilder said his choice would be a school that will play him at running back. Though he’s Hillsborough County’s top defensive player, who led the county with 19 sacks last year, Wilder wants to primarily play running back in college.

Last season, in helping Plant with its second-consecutive state title and third in four years, Wilder became the first plant running back to rush over 1,000 yards since Robert Weiner became the head coach in 2004.

Wilder becomes the third Division I prospect from Plant to commit before the season starts. Last week quarterback Phillip Ely verbally committed to Alabama and right tackle Tony Posada committed to Michigan.