Former Episcopal star, NFL free agent Marvin Wilson: ‘The moment you get the call, you hit the ground running’

HOUSTON – Marvin Wilson paced around the scorching gym, ready for a grueling workout session Tuesday morning.

As elite trainer Justin Allen directed a series of high-intensity movements, the former Episcopal High star defensive tackle and blue-chip Florida State recruit matched every pointer and then some.

Training alongside Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, Wilson jumped, sprinted and darted around while pouring sweat on the gym floor at All-En Sports Performance in Houston.

At 6-foot-5, 305 pounds, Wilson has uncommon size, quickness and power. And he can’t wait to put those tools to full use for his next NFL opportunity. Released by the Philadelphia Eagles after they drafted University of Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the first round, Wilson is ready for whenever he gets the call as an NFL free agent.

“Really you prepare like you still have a job,” Wilson told KPRC 2. “You never know when you’re going to get the call. You’ve got to prepare every day like you still have the job. And you prepare for the job that you want. The moment you get the call, you hit the ground running because I’m already ready. You stay ready and you don’t have to get ready.”

Wilson was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl team last season. A former Cleveland Browns undrafted free agent after excelling at Florida State, Wilson is all about the work and making things happen on the field.

“A guy who wants to make plays, plays hard and gives everything he got and put everything on the line,” said Wilson, who’s represented by Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports. “You never know if this is going to be the last time you put your helmet on, so you strap it on and give everything you got.”

Wilson has played in two career games for the Eagles and recorded seven career tackles.

Wilson bull-rushes opponents, discarding them with aggressiveness, technique and a growing repertoire of moves.

Once considered the top defensive tackle draft prospect, Wilson recorded 44 tackles, 8 ½ for losses and led the team with five sacks to go with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups as a junior for the Seminoles. He finished his college career with 109 tackles, 15 tackles for losses and 9 ½ sacks.

A former top-ranked high school defensive tackle and the highest ranked recruit in the state of Texas, Wilson was a prep legend at Episcopal. He was a coveted recruit who ultimately chose the Seminoles.

“It’s been a wild journey,” Wilson said. “From high school, not being known at all, to being one of the top recruits in the country, going to Florida state, three head coaches in college, coming in unknown and then grind to be a starter, All-American, falling short in the draft and not being drafted and fighting ever since. I know the talent and skill is there.

“I think the NFL is all about opportunity and timing. When the opportunity comes, I hope my preparation meets the opportunity. I relied on my old habits. High school, all I did was work out and go home and be with my family. The last couple of years, things weren’t going right. I relied on what I know, which is hard work and staying true to the grind. The grind has never turned its back on me.

Wilson made his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys, recording three tackles. He signed a reserve-future deal with the Eagles before being on their practice squad last season.

“When you get to the NFL, there aren’t as many reps and you’re lower on the depth chart,” he said. “You got to know how to make it happen, how to stand out on tape and really earn the trust of your teammates.”

The work with Allen is paying dividends.

“It was good, high-intensity, speed and explosion day, working mechanics, getting big skill guys like those two, I work them like receivers, tight ends and running backs,” Allen said. “I gave them the opportunity to do so. Working on all the little things, we took it back to the basics. I’ve known Marvin since high school. He’s a hard worker. The talent always speaks for itself. He was able to play at an early age at Florida State and then play with the Eagles. He’s been able to play with great players.

“He’s always been mature. He’s taken a leap in every are.He’s different. He’s a 300-pound guy who moves like another athlete, a former basketball guy who’s honing in on his advantages and his ability to move at that size. It’s a blessing, a great opportunity for me. I don’t take it for granted.”

When the tough workout was finally over, a shirtless Wilson had an overriding thought: “Man, it is hot in there!”

From high school to college to the NFL, Wilson has always had a bedrock foundation to lean upon: family.

“Definitely, my mom, my brother, my godmother, they’re with me at my highest highs and my lowest lows, they’ve always been in my corner,” Wilson said. “My brother, Jonathan, he always calls and makes sure my head is right. He’s one of my biggest supporters. My mom is always praying for me. I can’t do anything but go hard for them.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.