2022 Recruiting Profile: Kamari Wilson

For my next recruiting profile, I’ll be talking about perhaps my favorite player in this 2022 class, 5-star safety Kamari Wilson out of IMG Academy in Florida.

Wilson has been on my radar probably longer than any other 2022 player, and I think he’s going to be a star at the college level. I first started to notice Wilson during his sophomore season at Fort Pierce, and I’ve been a big fan of him ever since.

247 Sports has Wilson ranked as the #2 safety in the 2022 cycle, #4 player in Florida, #21 player nationally. He’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the nation, on perhaps the best high school team in the nation. Wilson was named 2nd team All-State by MaxPreps for the 2020 season.

Miami was one of the first schools to offer Wilson back in April of 2019, even before his sophomore season.

Wilson transferred to IMG Academy earlier this year from Fort Pierce Westwood, where he was a 3rd-team All-State selection as a sophomore, registering 114 tackles, 5 interceptions and 5 touchdowns.

Wilson already has good size at 6-1 195, ideal length and size for a safety, with room to grow once he’s in a college weight program. Though, IMG is already like a college program in some aspects, so Wilson is being prepared even now. Side note, I’m always for Miami recruiting IMG players.

On the field, Wilson can do just about anything at safety. Against the run, Wilson isn’t afraid of contact, and is very physical and will lay-out a ball carrier when the opportunity presents itself. At times, he’s the hardest hitter on the field, and he’s one of the most physical safeties in the 2022 class.. Though he doesn’t over pursue when it comes to tackling, and does a good job at wrapping up and finishing.

In coverage, Wilson shows great awareness of where the receivers are, and where the quarterback is looking to throw. His instincts allow him to move around the field with ease, and shows quick reaction time and athleticism where he can step in and pick off a pass.

More than anything, Wilson has that “It” factor on the football field. You know he’s a superstar when you’re watching him, similar to 2021 UM commit and fellow safety James Williams. He moves around the field with a clear confidence, standing out at you more so than other players. He’s a playmaker, simple as that. Already sounds like a Miami Hurricane, doesn’t he?

While all this is great, it’s going to be tough for Miami to land a player like Wilson, and beat out bigger programs. One of the best players in his class, Wilson has offers from LSU, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, and many others. Still, Wilson has mentioned that he’s a big fan of Miami and coach Manny Diaz, as well as Chief of Staff Ed Reed.

One of the biggest reasons for hiring Reed was his potential impact in recruiting, and Wilson is a player where that will come in handy. Another big selling point for Wilson coming to Miami, is the opportunity to be able to play with James Williams and Kamren Kinchens at safety, as well as having a player like Leonard Taylor on the same defense.

If you want to continue those steps in becoming an elite program, these are the kinds of players you need to land. Just how Miami was able to snag Williams and Taylor, Wilson is another similar situation and high-profile recruit that the Canes need to try and bring to Coral Gables.