Simmons Scoop: It is an 'open race' for 5-star EDGE Damon Wilson

Multiple blue-chip prospects will be in Columbus this weekend for Ohio State‘s season-opener against Notre Dame. One of them is Venice (Fla.) five-star EDGE Damon Wilson.

According to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, there is no clear leader for the 6-foot-3.5, 235 pound pass rusher. Multiple top-tier programs are involved in his recruitment, including Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Texas.

“I think this is a little bit more open,” Simmons said. “I like where Alabama, maybe and where Georgia are at this point, but mainly Alabama. This is more of an open race.”

Wilson is the No. 41 overall prospect and No. 6 EDGE in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 10 player in Florida and a four-star recruit.

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Meanwhile, On3 rates Wilson higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, Wilson is a five-star recruit, the No. 4 overall prospect, the No. 2 EDGE and the No. 2 player in Florida.

In addition to his upcoming trip to the Buckeyes, Wilson has only taken one other official visit. It was to Alabama on June 17.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Crimson Tide are leading for Wilson’s commitment at 42.5%. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have the second-best odds at 29.3%.

However, Simmons believes this weekend could have a substantial impact on Wilson’s recruitment. He will be visiting Ohio State alongside other top prospects including Tampa (Fla.) Lakeland five-star EDGE Keon Keeley and Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco five-star defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei.

“It’s a very big weekend for Ohio State,” Simmons said.

Damon Wilson On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Damon Wilson:

“Disruptive pass rusher with one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Bursts off the snap and is often in the backfield before opposing offensive linemen are out of their stance. Owns a solid build, checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 230 pounds prior to his junior season with plus length for the position. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting but plays quicker than his times indicate. Shows the ability to bend and dip around the edge, in addition to the outstanding first step.

“Plays for a top high school program in Florida. Turned in strong production with 15 sacks as a junior. Has added strength and checks in as one of the strongest EDGE defenders in the class in terms of weight room numbers. Highly technical and polished with his hands. Has few holes in his game and looks like one of the highest floor defenders in the cycle to go with substantial upside.”

Wilson has an On3 NIL Valuation of $168K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.