WVU DB Anthony Wilson Hopes to Follow in Idol Karl Joseph’s Footsteps

Originally posted on WV Sports Now | By Mike Asti | Last updated 8/22/23

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Anthony Wilson is fitting in perfectly with the vibe around the 2023 Mountaineers. The defensive back transfer out of Georgia Southern opened up about his mentality on the field, his desire to be great on Monday as fall camp nears its end.

Before even knowing anything else about him, who Wilson idolizes paints a picture of the type of player he is by itself. Wilson grew up loving Karl Joseph and wanting to be just like the former first round NFL draft pick.

Even though Wilson understands the rules may not allow him to be exactly like Joseph was during his time in Morgantown, he says he tries to model his game after the former WVU star as much as possible. Wilson even admitted that a picture of Joseph is his lock screen image on his phone.

WVU DB Anthony Wilson says he molds his game after Karl Joseph and prides himself in being physical.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 21, 2023

While being able to wear the same uniform, play on the same field and walk the same halls as Joseph helped West Virginia’s case in recruiting Wilson, following in the footsteps of his favorite player is not the only reason he decided to become a Mountaineer.

Wilson said he felt at home when he visited the WVU football program. Wanting to prove himself at the major conference level was also on Wilson’s mind once he made the decision to move on from Georgia Southern after the 2022 season.

WVSN actually talked with Wilson back in June. “I’ve done everything I had to do at GSU over the past 4 years and I learned a lot,” he said. “I’m just ready to come in and make an immediate impact. I’m more hungry than ever!”

Now that he’s been through a camp with a Big 12 school, Wilson says he can feel the cultural difference but is still able to use what he learned in the past when trying to be a leader on the WVU defense.

“At my old school, my old D Coordinator, he taught us how to watch film, and get the drop on the opponent,” said Wilson about helping the younger players study the game the right way.

WVU safeties coach Dontae Wright has loved every bit of coaching Wilson. “Every day he walks in this building he’s got a chip on his shoulder,” said Wright about Wilson. “When he steps on them lines, it ain’t about friends, it’s about getting better and making sure we’re all on the same page,” he added.

This article first appeared on WV Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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