‘Never give up, never quit,’ says Bishop’s commit

Bishop’s adds an international commit to their team.

Growing up on a small island off the coast of Florida, Brandon Wilson, a defensive lineman from Holland College, probably never dreamed that one day he would be playing with the Bishop’s Gaiters in the U Sports league.

“Apart from the hype of living in a city I’ve never seen before, I am excited about being apart of the rebuild of a great team and learning all that I can from Head Coach Cherif and his staff,” Wilson said. “I loved the environment and the vibe that I felt from the school upon my visit and I feel that I can make a great impact on the defensive line.”

Wilson has spent the last two years with the Holland College Hurricanes in the Atlantic Football League. Ross Young, the team’s head coach, is confident that Wilson will benefit the Gaiters.

“Brandon will be an excellent addition to Bishop’s defensive line. He brings size, strength, speed, skill and a tremendous work ethic and attitude. Gaiters’ football will do well be Brandon,” Young said. “He is coachable and leads his teammates by example with his passion and commitment to excellent.”

When Wilson met with Cherif Nichols, he was left with a positive impression. He said he thinks Nichols is an honest and wise man. “He knows what he is doing and is instilling all the right elements into (his) players that creates professional athletes,” Wilson said. “Same goes for what he looks for in his coaches.”

Wilson comes from Nassau, the capital of The Bahamans. In high school, he moved to Hialeah, Florida, where he played with the Champagnat Catholic School Lions. He then moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where he suited up for the New Mexico Military Institute Colts. After a tour in the United States, Wilson packed his bags and headed north to Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI.

In his two years with the Hurricanes, Wilson has found much success. In 2016, he was rookie of the year, an AFL’s MVP and a league all-star. The 6’3, 280lbs defensive tackle was also an academic all-Canadian at Holland College. This past season, he was the league’s defensive lineman of the year and an all-star.

“Bishop’s has a great culture that Brandon will only strength in their room and on the field with his presence,” Young said. “He is well respected by his coaches, instructors and peers here at Holland College and by players and coaches form Dalhousie, UNB Fredericton and University of Saint John.”

Wilson, who is interested in business administration, graduated from Holland College’s business admin program. Young said that Wilson already feels at home with his decision to attend Bishop’s because the size of the school and its classes are similar to Holland College’s.

“Brandon is an excellent student, very mature for his age (and is) independently motivated,” Young added. “Hurricanes football wishes Brandon ‘the beast’ good hunting in the swamp.”

Wilson has come a long way in his career. While his journey is far from over, he has some advice for all those who are still at the start of theirs. “To all young men chasing their dreams of a shot at the NFL or CFL, in high school and graduating, work hard for what you want, never give up, never quit,” he said.

“Believe in yourself and believe in God. Anything can be accomplished when you put your all into it,” he added. “Stay focused and remember the bigger picture.”

Extremely excited to announce that DL Brandon Wilson from Holland college Hurricanes, PEI has committed to @BishopsGaiters Football. Brandon was named Linemen of the year in the AFL and was named to the all-star team. #comewritethefuture #GaiterNation #bleedpurple pic.twitter.com/fPRs3hsuJV

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 20, 2017