Kyle Wilson Interview

Arrogance and confidence are separated by success. So when Kyle Wilson tells you that he thinks Boise State could have beaten anybody on any given day, he’s not boasting. His confidence is fueled by coming from the only program to enjoy two undefeated seasons in the last four years.

When he tells you that he thinks he can score every time he touches the ball, you believe him.

And when he says his goal is to run a sub 4.3 forty-yard-dash at the combine in Indianapolis, you don’t wonder if he will, you wonder if your thumb will be quick enough to time him.

He’s not in your face about his accomplishments. When he talks about his versatility, he isn’t trying to convince you; he knows. He’s calm, assured, and most of all proven.

When he wasn’t flooded with scholarship offers, like high school teammate Malcolm Jenkins, he didn’t hang his head. He moved on. To Idaho. To All-America status. Despite opponents learning early on to throw away from #1, Wilson persevered and picked off eight passes in his last two seasons. And when no punter on Earth would kick to him, he laughed and concentrated on the upside – at least the offense would get good field position.

And now, because he knows no other way, Kyle Wilson is seizing another opportunity, in Mobile, Alabama. He’s lighting up the Senior Bowl.

His leadership skills and intelligence will make him an attractive prospect come late April. But at his position, with the marooned nature of being an NFL cornerback, it’ll be another quality of Wilson’s that makes him elite.

It’s born of a career of success through hard work.

It’s confidence.

DraftZoo: First of all, Kyle, thanks for taking the time to talk to me, and congrats on a great season.
Kyle Wilson: No problem. Thanks, it was really a pretty nice season, and it was a long one, too. But we all really enjoyed it. The whole thing. Of course, the win at the end made it sweeter, but it was great all season long.

DZ: I’ve got to ask. Could Boise have beaten Alabama?
KW: I really think, on any given day we could beat anybody. All year long we were a very solid team. We stayed hungry every week. We felt like we could compete with anybody. Of course, we would’ve loved the chance to get to play a Florida or Alabama and show what we could do, but we enjoyed playing TCU. They are a great team, too. One of the best.

I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do next year. They’ve got around 16 or 17 starters back, so they should be good. Our defense will always be underrated, because we’ve got such a strong offense and we have that reputation. But we’ve had great athletes, great coaches, and a great mentality. It’s really starting to show. I can just imagine the work they’re putting in to achieve their goals next season.

DZ: Everybody’s been talking about you down in Mobile and across the country. How are you having such a great week at the Senior Bowl?
KW: I think this week has been going well. I’m just excited about the whole opportunity. It’s a great stage to showcase your talent and skills. I think my success is just a result of how hard I’ve been working and what I’ve been working on. But to come out here and perform well against some of the best in the country, that’s great. It’s a good atmosphere, and I’m really excited to be here. Having a good time.

DZ: You’ve obviously got a lot of strengths, but what’s the best part of your game?
KW: My playmaking ability has a lot to do with it I think. I’m versatile. I can play a lot of positions. I played receiver and other positions in high school. I can help in the return game and on defense. I think I’ve really made that a point of emphasis to show my versatility down in Mobile. I can learn a playbook, just like that. I think no matter what position, I made a lot of plays. And the Senior Bowl is a great stage to show what you can do. It’s been great to compete and go back and forth against the best, just making plays.

DZ: Alright, there are some top names here, but who’s the toughest receiver you’ve ever covered?
KW: Hmm, the toughest? Davone Bess from Hawaii. When he’s bad, haha, he’s bad. He’s a tough guy to guard in the slot. Especially that year, my sophomore year when they had Colt Brennan. Definitely one of the best. What I noticed about him was that he had really had good footwork. And in that offense, where they were very accurate and on the same page, the combo was deadly.

DZ: You mentioned your own versatility. What makes you a great blitzer and return man? What makes you so versatile?
KW: Yeah, I love scoring, getting the ball in my hands. It feels very natural to me. I played both wide receiver and running back in high school. I think I can score every time I touch the ball. And I think that’s an added bonus. I scored three touchdowns on returns as a junior. And then, this past year, when teams started kicking away from me, it still gave the offense good field position. I think I find a lot of different ways to be a game-changer.

DZ: It certainly helps that you’ve got some pretty decent speed. What do you expect to run at the combine?
KW: At least a 4.3, at least that. I’m looking for better, that’s why I’m training so hard. I can’t wait to show what I can do.

DZ: Where are you training right now?
KW: Down in Orlando, Florida with Tom Shaw.

DZ: Speaking of Florida, your old high school teammate Malcolm Jenkins is headed to the Super Bowl in Miami with the Saints. Any hopes of being drafted by New Orleans?
KW: Oh man, we’ve been on the same teams forever. Same Pop Warner team, same high school team. Then, when I got to Boise, I redshirted, so we got separated by a year. In high school we won three straight championships. We only lost three games as juniors, and we went undefeated the other two. Not too many people can say that. I love winning. I love competition. I’ll play for anybody, no bias, I just love playing. I’m just excited to play at next level

DZ: Have any specific teams shown more interest than others?
KW: Nah, I’ve talked to a lot of teams. Been pulled in a lot of diff directions. But I haven’t talked to one team over another. I’m just taking it all in stride, doing a lot of interviews, and hoping my character shows through.

DZ: Alright, something really important. Any special pregame songs you listen to?
KW: I don’t know. Actually, I’m a Jay-Z fan. I have all his albums. But generally I like to listen to an older one.

DZ: What about your old homefield? How big of an advantage is the blue turf?
KW: Haha, it’s pretty cool to look at. But it’s not advantage, I don’t think. We’re out there everyday, but it’s just another field. Nothing too much.

DZ: And all those rumors, any actual dead ducks on the field?
KW: No, no that’s just a myth, haha. I looked into It when I first got to campus, but it’s not true. They’re safe.

DZ: Alright, Kyle, I’ll take your word for it. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to me, and good luck the rest of the week. Have a great game and combine.
KW: Thank you very much. Take care.

Be sure to check out Kyle’s website, KDub1.com