One of the country’s top college football recruits is no longer a high-school football player — because his season is over.
Poly Prep senior Isaiah Wilson’s high-school football career ended last month when the Blue Devils fell 28–0 to Delbarton on Oct. 28. Since the squad plays an independent schedule, Poly Prep doesn’t compete in a playoff system or contend for a championship, and Wilson’s life on the high-school gridiron was suddenly over — something he’s still trying to come to terms with.
“It hasn’t really set in yet,” Wilson said. “I know I’m not playing high-school football any more, so that’s kind of weird to think about. It hasn’t really set in, but now it’s all about getting prepared and getting better and getting ready for college.”
Wilson — a 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman — is a consensus five-star prospect, and he’s made sure to put his time to good use now that he’s no longer focused on a high-school schedule. He’s spent the last few weeks fine-tuning a personal workout regimen, determined to stay in shape and game-ready — even when he’s not playing anymore games.
I’ve been doing workouts that are kind of focused on getting me ready for the next level,” he said. “That involves flexibility, stretching, and weight training. So my body is ready for the next step.”
There were questions about Wilson’s high-school choice throughout his career — the opportunity to compete for a title is something he would have relished.
But he never left Pol and never entertained the thought of suiting up for another school. Wilson found his gridiron home with the Blue Devils and, as far as he’s concerned, that was more important than any kind of championship run.
“I wanted to win as many games as I could, but it wasn’t just about winning a championship or things like that,” Wilson said. “I built up a relationship with the people at Poly over the year, and it was always really about where I felt like I fit in best. I loved being at Poly.”
Despite the earlier-than-normal end to his high-school career, Wilson’s recruiting didn’t take a hit by the lack of a postseason. In fact, it was Wilson’s ability to hit — and hit hard — that sparked interest from just about every major college football program across the country, including Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State.
Wilson never let the spotlight get to him — despite opposing teams putting him squarely in their crosshairs every time they lined up against him. That was par for the course.
“I think teams have been gunning for me for the past three years or so,” said Wilson, who visited Florida State last weekend. “So I never really cared what other teams thought about me as long as I was doing my best and putting everything on the line for my brothers and the team and the school I represented.”
Wilson is turning his attention to the next step now that his high-school career is in the books. He loved his four years at Poly — citing the opportunity to influence the next generation of Blue Devils as the most memorable part of his senior season — and the sky is the limit on his future.
Wilson won’t sign with a college program until December or January, and he’s going to take these next few weeks in stride.
“I’m really excited for what’s next,” Wilson said. “I think it’s going to be very fun, and I’m just getting myself ready for the ride. I’m going to enjoy it.”
