Two former Yorktown High School athletes, John Pius and Grant Wilson, had significant impacts on their respective Division I college football teams during the recent fall season. Despite facing challenges, both players showcased their talents and resilience. Wilson, a quarterback for Old Dominion University, saw his season shortened by injuries but still managed to leave an impression. Meanwhile, Pius, an outside linebacker for Wisconsin University, contributed significantly to his team's defense. Both players have promising futures ahead, with Wilson transferring to Indiana University and Pius aiming for a potential NFL career.
John Pius, now a redshirt senior, transferred from William and Mary to Wisconsin University this year, where he played as an outside linebacker. In his 12 appearances, Pius recorded 21 tackles, including 2.5 sacks. His standout performance came against the top-ranked Oregon team, where he made four tackles and a crucial sack that resulted in a fumble. Pius's defensive prowess has been evident throughout his collegiate career, having previously excelled at William and Mary, where he accumulated 53 tackles and 9.5 sacks in the previous season.
Pius's journey through college football has been marked by consistent improvement and adaptability. After multiple seasons at William and Mary, where he was a key defensive player, Pius decided to transfer to Wisconsin to challenge himself further. His ability to strip the ball and create turnovers has been a valuable asset to his teams. With aspirations of playing professionally, Pius is working hard to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot in the NFL. His dedication and leadership on the field make him a formidable presence in any lineup.
Grant Wilson, a redshirt junior quarterback, had a noteworthy stint at Old Dominion University before deciding to transfer to Indiana University for the upcoming season. Despite injury setbacks, Wilson started three games this fall, completing nearly half of his passes for over 500 yards and four touchdowns. He also demonstrated his running ability, scoring a 36-yard rushing touchdown in one of his games. Wilson's leadership and performance were particularly highlighted in the season opener against South Carolina, where he threw for 197 yards and a touchdown.
Wilson's college career has seen him grow from a player with limited opportunities at Fordham University to becoming a key figure at Old Dominion. Over the past two years, he started 11 out of 12 games, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. His decision to transfer to Indiana reflects his ambition to continue developing as a player and possibly extend his football journey. Wilson's versatility as both a passer and runner makes him a valuable addition to any team, and his experience will undoubtedly benefit Indiana's program next season.