ELLISVILLE – A former Jones County Junior College Bobcat is headed to the National Football League.
Damien Wilson, who played at the University of Minnesota for the past two seasons, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.
Wilson was a standout in 2012 at JCJC.
He was named an NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American after leading the MACJC and finishing fourth in the nation in tackles with 122 (76 solo). He had six tackles-for-loss, two sacks and two pass breakups.
In his one season with the Bobcats, Wilson (6-0, 245) was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player for Region 23, the MACJC's South Division Most Valuable Defensive Back, All-MACJC South Division first-team and All-Region 23.
"I don't stop until the ball hits the ground … or the ball carrier," Wilson said on a conference call Saturday with Dallas media.
Wilson is from Liberty, Mississippi, and graduated from Amite County High School. He played his freshman year at Alcorn State before transferring to JCJC.
He was named All-Big Ten as a senior at Minnesota after leading the team with 119 tackles. He led the Gophers with 10.5 tackles-for-loss and tied for the team lead with four sacks. He had an interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
As a junior, Wilson was second on the team with 78 tackles. He had 5.5 tackles-for-loss and one sack.
"Damien is a player who runs extremely well side-to-side," said Gophers coach Jerry Kill in a statement released by the school. "He makes plays. I feel like his biggest attribute is chasing the football and the speed that he possesses."
Wilson was the 27^th pick in the fourth round and the 127^th selection overall.