Sept. 23, 2015

By Tyson Blanton
Media Relations Student Assistant

Five years ago, Columbia native Brandon Wilds ventured onto the practice field at the University of South Carolina as a true freshman and new member of the Gamecock football program.

Wilds was a fifth-string running back, listed behind several Gamecock tailbacks including veteran ball carriers Marcus Lattimore and Kenny Miles, who received a bulk of the reps.

He was biding his time, patiently, waiting to show what he could bring to the table. That opportunity came sooner than expected as a series of injuries found the true freshman starting in the 2011 Tennessee game in Knoxville.

Wilds rushed for 130 yards that game, then a personal best for him, and was the Gamecocks’ leading receiver with 31 yards on three catches as the Gamecocks defeated Tennessee 14-3 on the way to an 11-win season.

The game that catapulted Wilds into the public eye is almost four years behind him, but he says he still remembers it like yesterday and it still impacts the way he plays in games today.

“It was a great feeling,” said Wilds with an infectious grin on his face. “That’s why I try to go out there and give it my all. I try to beat that (game) and then keep beating that record.”

The fighting spirit in Wilds has helped him overcome some pretty daunting trials throughout his time at Carolina. Wilds redshirted the 2012 season after suffering a high ankle sprain. The following year he was limited to seven games, sidelined for the last six games after suffering a dislocated elbow and a hamstring injury. 2014 brought more experience and more injuries for Wilds. Though he suffered a shoulder sprain and a knee injury he still managed to break 1,000 career yards and set a new personal best with 143 yards against Tennessee.

Running backs have to deal with injuries sometimes. Wilds says, “It’s just a part of the game.” Rather than allowing these injuries to set him back, Wilds has used them to better himself.

“In a sense (the injuries) helped me,” said Wilds. “I hurt my arm and I got stronger in my arm. Now it’s easier for me to block and stiff-arm because I did so much work on my left arm to make it stronger (after the elbow dislocation).”

Wilds has evolved from a young freshman to a senior leader on the team. He had to change from the quiet kid he was early in his career, into a more vocal member that he is today.

In his five-year stint, Wilds has learned many things. On a basic level, he’s learned how the offensive system works and how Coach Steve Spurrier coaches and positions his players for success. He says he also has learned how to play smart and focus on the play at hand and not get distracted by the atmosphere and the crowd, whether at Williams-Brice Stadium or on the road.

Wilds credits his coaches and both current and former teammates with his success during his time with the Gamecock football program and he is prepared to do the same for his teammates who will follow in his footsteps.

“Everybody needs help,” said Wilds. “I needed help when I first got here. I listened, I took advice, I soaked it all in and I got better. I just tell them things and hope they soak it all in too.”

Wilds’ time as a member of the Gamecock football program has been nothing less than a quest, a quest to fulfill his dream to make it to the National Football League. His dream has been the driving force for all decisions he has made during his time here, from extra work in the weight room to staying for his final year of eligibility this season.

“That’s my dream and that’s my focus right now,” said Wilds. “Everyone keeps asking ‘Well what if football doesn’t work out,’ well what if your dream doesn’t work out? How would you feel? I’m just focusing on my dream and I’ll go from there.”

Wilds will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. Following graduation he plans to continue training in preparation for the NFL draft.

Before he can begin chasing that dream, he has one last season of Gamecock football ahead of him and as a veteran Wilds will be relied on to make an impact in every game.

“I cannot determine any wins or losses,” said Wilds. “But I can go out there and give my all and prepare the guys.”

Wilds has enjoyed a lengthy career at USC. He was a member of the first team to reach 11 wins and follow up with the same success the following two seasons. He’s played with Gamecock greats like Marcus Lattimore, Jadeveon Clowney, Connor Shaw and many more. Individually, Wilds has 1,458 rushing yards in his career placing him 27th on South Carolina’s all-time records’ list with five 100-yard games.

Looking back on his time here – all his success, shortcomings, setbacks, victories and memories – Wilds has a little advice for those following in his footsteps.

“Be patient. If I had to give any of these players any advice I would say to be patient,” said Wilds. “Your time will come. You can be here for at least four years, but it only takes one year. Be patient and when your time comes, be ready.”