2023 LB Raylen Wilson Excited for Notre Dame Visit

2023 Lincoln (Fla.) linebacker Raylen Wilson‍ holds offers from some of the top schools in the country, but he wants more.

Akron, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Jackson State, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Penn State, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, USC and Vanderbilt have already offered the rising sophomore and Wilson hopes to add Notre Dame to the list next month. 

"Coach (Chad) Bowden and Coach (Marcus) Freeman wanted me to come up there," Wilson told ISD. "They really want to see me in person before they drop an offer. I'm planning on making it up there on June 21st."

The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder is serious about his academics as he carries a 3.8 GPA and making the trip to Notre Dame without an offer shows his interest as he will also visit Florida State, Penn State and USC this summer. 

"I know Notre Dame is serious about academics," stated Wilson. "I had to send them a transcript and all that. Academics definitely play a big part for me." 

Wilson's recruitment is just starting and the early attention is something he's been managing by putting in more work. 

"It gives me more confidence," Wilson said of his offer list. "I still keep my head down and work. I'm not letting all the hype get to my head." 

Freeman covets linebackers with position flexibility and Wilson definitely falls into that category with his athleticism and speed. 

"My strength is speed," stated Wilson. "Last year, I used to run myself out of the play trying to get somewhere the ball wasn't going because I was going fast. This year, I've focused on my reads. When I know where the ball is going, I can use my speed to get there to make the play." 

Notre Dame's staff has already spoken to Wilson about a potential position and it's one that got his attention pretty quickly. 

"Notre Dame was talking about me playing a hybrid position like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah because I play a little nickel too," Wilson said. "I like Will. I like being in the box most of the time. I'll do whatever I have to do to win." 

When it comes to a timeline, the Tallahassee native isn't in a hurry to commit and doesn't feel pressured to stay home to play for Florida State. 

"I've heard that a lot," Wilson said of playing for the Seminoles. "A lot of schools ask if I'm scared to leave Florida. Going to school close to home won't play a big role when I decide on a school." 

In fact, Wilson didn't even have a favorite childhood school and will simply look for the best fit for him. 

"I didn't really follow a team," said Wilson. "I just love football and watching it. I didn't really care who was playing. I just wanted to watch it.

"I'll be looking for a couple of things, but I really want to be comfortable with the program and school. I want it to feel like a second home to me."