One of the Kansas City area’s most talented young players, Park Hill 2020 defensive lineman Johnny Wilson
has put together a big season, bringing a consistent pass rush off the edge as well as standing tough against the run.
At 6’3, 235-pounds, Wilson does a good job taking on blocks and has shown the ability to play standing up and could even project as a linebacker in the future.
He has has helped lead a talented Park Hill team to a 10-2 record and a Class 6 semifinal showdown on Friday against cross town rival Blue Springs for the right to advance to the state championship game. The Trojans have numerous talented players on the defensive side of the ball.
“I think we’ve got a good chance to head to the championship,” Wilson said. “I’ve preformed pretty well but I had just suffered a season ending injury and I still have work to do I’m not the best yet and have a lot of things to correct and perfect to be the best defensive lineman in the state and one of the top in the country.”
He began playing football in the third grade competing for the Northland Jets. It was a squad he played for from third- to sixth-grade when he moved to Colorado for a year. When he came back, he played for the Chargers as an eighth-grader and led the team to a Super Bowl.
While Wilson says his mother has had the biggest influence on him, he says Mike Nichols has had the biggest impact on his football career. Nichols has been a part of his football life since youth football.
“He’s been coaching me since I started playing and he’s helped out a lot,” Wilson said. “I think it’s safe to say that with out him I don’t think I’d be the player that I am today.
“And I can’t forget about my D Line coach at Park Hill, Tyus Jackson. He’s one of the best if not the best coach I’ve had in all my years playing football. I’ve been working with him since the summer going into my freshman year and has been a huge part of my success.”.
A fan of the Houston Texans’ defensive end JJ Watt, Wilson says he appreciates his aggressive play and toughness.
“I think he and I both have great leadership skills,” Wilson said. “I try to be a leader the best I can especially with my D-Line to help them get everything right and know what mistakes they make and how to fix them.
“Honestly I think I’m the most experienced as far as playing time because I started as a freshman last year so I think I kind of have that privilege to be the leader that I am with my D-Line. “
Wilson currently holds offers from Iowa State and Northern Illinois, but has not taken any unofficial visits at this time.
Wilson says Blue Springs 2018 offensive and defensive lineman Daniel Parker Jr., a Mizzou recruit, is the toughest player he has faced this season. The two will square off again this week.
“I had my hands full with him, he was very god competition and I learned a lot playing against Daniel Parker,” Wilson says.
