Wilson Leads By Example

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- It was a long wait for Woody Wilson, but according to the Northeastern State junior quarterback, it was worth the wait.

Wilson, who sat out last season after transferring from the University of North Texas, said it was difficult to watch from the RiverHawks sideline and endure a 1-10 season.

But for Wilson, the personable RiverHawks signal caller, it was a new lease on life and an opportunity to play.

"It was really tough to sit out last season.'' said Wilson. "Anytime you sit out and know you can help a team  and with a group of guys you care  about makes it difficult. "When you are 1-10 its not a good feeling to sit out knowing you can help them.

"But it was a good experience to watch the team and get familiar with the conference. It was a good thing for me in mental preparation. Even if you can't play, you can take mental reps, play scout team quarterback and prepare for the teams the next season.''

In Northeastern State's season opener last Thursday night against 24^th-ranked Arkansas Tech, Wilson knocked off some of the rust and was impressive in his first competition since his playing days at the University of North Texas during the 2006-07 season.

"Woody was a little rusty, having not played in two years,'' said Northeastern State head coach Kenny Evans. ‘'He made a few mistakes, but did a lot of great things. He showed a lot of promise. I'm excited about the things we can do with him down the road.

‘'As a former defensive coordinator, you hate to see those dual threat quarterbacks like Woody. There was no doubt he was as fast, or faster, than anyone on the field (against Arkansas Tech). And he threw the ball very effectively. That's going to make it tougher and tougher for our opponents in the future.''

The outcome wasn't what Wilson expected, a 44-32 loss to the Wonderboys at Doc Wadley Stadium, but his RiverHawks debut was outstanding.

The 180-pound junior was 17-of-33 passing with one interception for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He also led Northeastern State in rushing with 93 yards on 17 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Wilson's touchdown tosses were 10 yards to wide receiver Ben Randle in the second quarter and a 43-yard toss to wide receiver Edward Victorian late in the fourth quarter.

"I was a little bit anxious and nervous coming into the game,'' said Wilson. ‘'I was just real anxious to see how our team would perform. God just blessed me with some certain talents and I just try and go out and perform the best I can.

‘'I was pleased with our team's effort, but I put a lot of pressure on myself and feel like I let them down because we didn't come out with a win. The stats and everything are good, but when you don't have a win, its hard for me to sleep after losing.

"This team isn't about one player. We're a family. I know we'll get better. We're all in this together. The best teacher is experience and it was a good experience (Arkansas Tech),'' said Wilson.

The six-foot, junior from Fayetteville (Ark.) High School, where he was a two-time All-State performer, originally signed with the University of Arkansas. After failing to qualify academically at Arkansas, he opted for Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.

 Following his junior college play he was recruited by Northeastern State's  Evans, when he was at the University of North Texas.

"I didn't want to go back to Arkansas and coach Evans gave me a shot at playing quarterback and that's how I met him when he recruited me to go to North Texas,'' said Wilson. "After the '06 season, coach got the job here (Northeastern State) and I decided to come here and play.''

While at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, Wilson was named a Jayhawk Conference honorable mention selection. That's when Evans stepped back into the picture once again.

Still at North Texas, Evans signed the criminal justice major for the Mean Green of the Sun Belt Conference, where he saw action in the first six games of the 2006-07 season.

In his first game for the Mean Green Wilson opened against national power University of Texas, losing 56-7.  Wilson accounted for North Texas' only score, tossing a 12-yard TD to Bobby Johnson, as Wilson was 5-0f-6 for 65 yards.

The following week North Texas, behind Wilson defeated Southern Methodist 24-6 with Wilson connecting on 8-of-10 passes for 65 yards. He carried 10 times for 74 yards, including a 23-yard TD scamper.

Wilson played four more games for North Texas completing 34-of-62 for 271 yards and 5 interceptions. His final game for North Texas he was 11-of-16 for 75 yards in a 25-22 victory.

Wilson now has his focus on Lone Star Conference South Division opponent Tarleton State. The Texans visit Doc Wadley Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday night in Tahlequah. Tarleton (1-0) is coming off an impressive 45-16 thrashing of Arkansas-Monticello last week.

"The coaching staff is getting us ready and they are trying to put us in the best position to execute the offense and defense,'' said Wilson. "After watching the film (Arkansas Tech) I know we'll get better.  We took a big step from last year after the first game. Coach (Evans) sees our potential. I think we'll be alright.''