Published: August 30, 2006 07:18 pm            

Wilcoxon brings aggressiveness to defense

At 6-3, 265 pounds, Aledo senior defensive tackle Michael Wilcoxon can cause problems for most offensive linemen. But, throw in a 4.72 40-yard dash for a player his size, and Wilcoxon ceases being a problem. He officially becomes a head ache for the opposition.

Wilcoxon has played on both sides of the line, but he loves his spot on defense.

“It is more of my preference I used to play both ways, but you can be so much more ... well you can be aggressive on both sides of the ball, but defense you actually are looking for something,” Wilcoxon said. “People can actually notice that. On offense, they can notice it too, but it is not as defined.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like both sides. I like being able to come off as hard as I can instead of trying to move a guy out of the way. You can go all out and be aggressive. I don’t know. I just know I enjoy it.”

Wilcoxon brings that aggressive attitude to a defense which has the potential to be dominating for the Bearcats, who have high hopes for the season.

“As a team, go to state, because I know we have a chance,” Wilcoxon said. “This is probably one of our best chances in 4A ever. We have a lot of returners. Last year, we had a really young team and everybody was really surprised how far we went. We have a lot of experience and that will help us this year.”

This summer, Wilcoxon has not only been getting ready for his senior season with the Bearcats, but also preparing for his future as he verbally committed to play college football for the University of Texas.

“I had several scholarship offers,” Wilcoxon said. “I never thought I would be heavily recruited until this last spring.”

Wilcoxon is the second Aledo lineman to commit to Texas, as Kyle Hix committed earlier in the spring. Wilcoxon enjoys the idea of going to UT with Hix, but it did not heavily influence his decision.

“Honestly, it did a little bit, but I think when you think about colleges, it is really a solo decision,” Wilcoxon said. “You know what kind of environment you want. I love Austin. My brother used to live there.

“I had been thinking about it a lot. I really did not know which college I wanted to go to. I am a Christian and [how he picked UT] was funny. I went to the football camp, and I had other offers and [was going to] just see what else came along. I was easy going about [picking a school] until that day UT called me. Before they called me, I prayed about it, then they called.

“Plus, it is an opportunity you cannot pass up.”

College coaches praised Wilcoxon for his great “motor.” Wilcoxon knows he will have to continue working hard to enjoy continued success, but not having to worry about his future until it gets here is a load off his mind.

“I was going to a lot of camps [this summer], and I was excited about the camps. But really, [committing to a college] lets you relax and work toward a goal. You know what college you are going to. It brings it all to reality because you know you won’t have to fight for that spot and you can focus more on the fundamental things. It is not as stressful. That doesn’t mean you are not going to work as hard, but it is not as stressful.”

Wilcoxon said he is not really working on anything specific this season, aside from the essentials.

“[The UT coaching staff] really did not say much because I know when I get there they will mold me into they want me to be. This year, I am refining fundamentals. I was amazed last year the difference between my bad games and good games — foot work, how far your first step is and then how you bring your hands. It has a lot more to do with it than people think.”

While the Aledo defense continues to come on like Aledo head coach Tim Buchanan thinks, Wilcoxon and the Bearcat defense will make things miserable for opposing teams in district play and beyond.

        

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