Two games into Damian Wilson’s college career at Alabama State and he has already made some lasting memories.

The Hornets defeated Tuskegee 26-20 in an overtime thriller in front of the home fans, and then followed it up by playing Auburn at Jordan Hare Stadium, a game in which Alabama State lost 63-9.

According to Wilson, having the opportunity to play at an SEC venue was a great experience, but it meant even more because he grew up an Auburn fan.

“It was an amazing feeling to be on that big of a stage,” Wilson said.

Wilson is a redshirt freshman right guard with the Hornets and is majoring in business. He believes that sitting out last season will be a long-term benefit for him in the program.

“At first, I was looking at it from a negative standpoint, but I talked to players that had redshirted previously and that kind of helped me get through it,” Wilson said. “A redshirt is not a bad thing. It helped me get bigger, stronger, faster and prepared me more for this year.”

The primary focus of his redshirt campaign involved time spent in the weight room and a proper introduction to a college-level conditioning program.

During that time, he became very familiar with Alabama State strength and conditioning coach Medgar Harrison.

“The difference from high school to college is like night and day,” Wilson said.

He is currently a regular on special teams and expects to eventually be a major contributor along the offensive line in the years to come.

“I’m just trying to help this team the best way I can, so that we can win a SWAC championship,” Wilson said. “Just playing my role.”

Wilson gave credit to Chilton County High School for helping him to realize his potential and reach the point of playing football at the next level.

“Chilton County is the reason that I’m playing college football right now,” Wilson said. “If it wasn’t for those three years I did at Chilton County [High School] to showcase my talent, Alabama State wouldn’t have taken a chance on me.”

Wilson is playing his first year of athletic eligibility under first year head coach Donald Hill-Eley, who was named to the position after spending time last season as the interim coach.

“He’s an amazing head coach, because he’s all about us [players],” Wilson said. “He puts us in the best position possible for every situation that we’re in. I love Coach.”

Alabama State University is only 38 miles from Chilton County High School, which will allow for Wilson to have a lot of family and friends making the trip and in the stands for most home games.

“No matter where I go or how far I go, my family will always come out and support me,” Wilson said.

Although Wilson is still in the early stages of his college career, he wanted to pass along some advice to the current student-athletes at any of the Chilton County schools who have hopes of continuing their playing career in college.

“Keep pushing and don’t give up, because you never know who is watching,” Wilson said.