Johnny Wilson reflects on changes in past year at Florida State

Florida State achieved their best season since 2016 this year, and will be looking to secure their 10th win of the season in their bowl game versus Oklahoma. Many Seminoles had breakout performances this season, one being wide receiver Johnny Wilson, whose first season with the team was this one after transferring from Arizona State this past offseason.

“Last year I didn’t even get to make it past week 4 before my season was cut short, so I’m just blessed,” Wilson said. “Honestly, I feel so grateful to just have this opportunity every day, just come out here and play the game that I love.”

At Arizona State last season Wilson played in four games, hauling in 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury. The next time he touched the field following his injury was in new threads, as he sported the garnet and gold and never looked back on an amazing season as Florida State’s No. 1 wide receiver.

“Sometimes you can take it for granted, some days are hard, some days you don’t feel like being out there,” Wilson said. “But it’s like when you lose it all, when you really can’t play it, you can’t play football, it’s like you finally get the opportunity again and it makes you look at it from a whole different perspective.”

Wilson led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches in his debut season for the Seminoles, ending the regular season with 35 catches, 695 yards, and five touchdowns. He established himself as one of the most feared vertical and red zone threats in the ACC and in the country this season standing at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds.

He was a major part of Florida State’s offense that was the top offense in the ACC and a top 15 unit in the nation this season, as he earned All-ACC second-team honors along with his quarterback Jordan Travis. His individual and team’s success was a sight to see this season, but at the end of the day, he was just happy to be able to play the game he loves after not being able to last season

“It just feels great to be out here again compared to last year, I didn’t even expect me to be in this situation I’m in now, so I’m just thankful,” Wilson said.

Wilson and the Seminoles will suit up one more time this season as they take on Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl on December 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET airing on ESPN.