April 24, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – Former South Carolina linebacker Rodriques Wilson was selected by the Chicago Bears with the sixth pick of the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Wilson joins former Carolina teammate Troy Williamson as Gamecocks selected in this year’s draft. Williamson was the seventh pick of the first round by the Minnesota Vikings.

Wilson was a key figure on a Gamecock defensive unit that ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference in total defense, sixth in rushing defense and third in pass defense efficiency in 2004. He led the team with 68 tackles, 46 of which were unassisted. Wilson registered 4.5 tackles for loss and had three sacks. In addition, he led the team with three fumbles forced. He posted a career high with 10 tackles against Arkansas, registering nine tackles against Ole Miss and eight tackles against both Clemson and Alabama.

Wilson demonstrated throughout his career that he is a team player and a true athlete, as he originally came to South Carolina as a quarterback, redshirting as a true freshman. Wilson then moved to wide receiver after spring camp following his redshirt season and saw action in nine games as a receiver in the fall of 2001, making one catch for an eight yard gain against Florida. Wilson then moved to the defensive side of the ball in the spring of 2002, and went on to make 27 tackles during his sophomore season, playing primarily at the spur position (hybrid between safety and linebacker). Wilson emerged as a starter at safety in 2003, but battled injuries for much of the season. He finished the year with 22 tackles and two passes broken up.

Originally from Cross, S.C., Wilson prepped at Cross HS, where he was rated as the number five quarterback in the Atlantic Region by PrepStar magazine. Wilson also played basketball, baseball and ran track.

South Carolina Gamecocks Drafted Since 2000 (All Rounds):Year    Player  Pos.    Team    Rd. Overall2005    Troy Williamson WR  Vikings 1   7    Rod Wilson  LB  Bears   7   2202004    Dunta Robinson   DB  Texans  1   10    Travelle Wharton   OT  Panthers    3   94    Deandre Eiland  DB  Vikings 6   1842003    Langston Moore   DT  Bengals 6   174    Corey Jenkins DB  Dolphins    6   181    Andrew Pinnock   RB  Chargers    7   2292002    Kalimba Edwards DE  Lions   2   35    Sheldon Brown DB  Eagles  2   59    Andre Goodman DB  Lions   3   68    Willie Offord DB  Vikings 3   70    John Stamper   DE  Buccaneers  6   1932000    John Abraham    LB  Jets    1   13    Arturo Freeman  DB  Dolphins    5   152