It took four years, but Maurice Wilkins has made up for lost time. Towson?s senior middle linebacker has emerged as one of most productive players in the country ? just look at the list of the top tacklers in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Despite note earning a permanent place in the starting lineup until this season, he enters this afternoon?s game at William & Mary ranked fourth among players from 122 teams nationwide with 47 tackles ? an average of 11.75 per game.
In Towson?s 27-7 loss to then-No. 11 Delaware last week, the native of New Castle, Del., gave the best performance of his career, making a game-high 15 tackles.
“He?s always been a contributor and has had to play behind some very good players,” Coach Gordy Combs said. “But we knew he could play.”
When the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Wilkins was told of where he ranked nationally in tackles, he was stunned, saying he?s just doing what?s expected from him.
“I like running to the ball and that?s important,” Wilkins said. “If you get a chance to make plays [you need to take it]. I definitely know what everyone is doing and it its important so I that know where I fit in.”
Wilkins will have the opportunity to make plenty more tackles as Towson (2-2, 0-2) travels to Williamsburg, Va. this weekend to take on The Tribe (2-2, 0-2). The Tigers have lost all four of its games against The Tribe, including defeats each of the last three seasons and a 29-28 loss last year.
“It?s a new challenge every week,” Wilkins said.” The key is preparation and coach preaches that and focusing all week on who we are playing. Everyone just needs to take care of their responsibilities and if we do that it should be fine.”
As a redshirt freshman and sophomore Wilkins had limited playing time on special teams and made a few spot appearances at linebacker, finishing with 58 total tackles his first two seasons combined.
Last season, Wilkins appeared in all 11 games, starting three times and making 40 stops. Already this season he has surpassed that total and added two pass break-ups and a forced fumble.
Along with senior linebackers Brian Bradford (45 tackles, 10th in the nation) and John Webb (28 tackles), the trio has established itself among the best in the conference.
They?ll have to prove it today. Towson?s defense will face an offense that is averaging more than 36 points per game and is led by quarterback Jake Phillips, who has thrown for 1,253 yards with 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions this season.
“We can?t give up the big play,” Combs said.
