Reinard Wilson (2009) - Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame

Reinard Wilson

Induction:
2009

No position in all of college football was more feared during the 1990s than that of defensive end at Florida State and Reinard Wilson was one of the stars who earned that respect. He combined a tireless work ethic that followed him from his rural upbringing in nearby Lake City, FL with the upper body strength of a down lineman and the quickness of a linebacker to become the prototype college end of the decade. He could overpower an offensive lineman or beat him with his speed.

Wilson led the ACC in quarterback sacks in 1994 and was selected All-ACC in 1995 and 1996. As a senior in 1996, Wilson earned First-Team All-American honors from four organizations and he joined teammate Peter Boulware to give FSU the rare feat of having both consensus All-American defensive ends coming from the same team. Wilson led the 1996 team with 105 total tackles and 13.5 quarterback sacks. Over his four-year career he accumulated a school record 35.5 sacks, playing on some of the finest defenses in college football history including the 1993 team that won the school's first national championship.

In 1997, Wilson was one of four Seminoles selected in the first round of the NFL Draft when he was chosen 14th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played seven years in the NFL for Cincinnati and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reinard Wilson's relentless effort and accomplishments make him one of the greatest defensive linemen in FSU history.