Kamari Wilson Explains Why He Wanted to Finish His Career at WVU

The Memphis safety transfer was looking to be challenged and is getting that in Morgantown.

WVU Athletics Communications

Hopping from school to school isn't ideal, but it does have its benefits. It helps you adapt to change, learn a scheme quickly, and get multiple different viewpoints from coordinators and position coaches.

That's been the journey for West Virginia safety Kamari Wilson, who began his career at Florida as a highly-rated recruit, transferred to Arizona State, then to Memphis, and now finds himself in Morgantown, anchoring the back end of the Mountaineers' defense.

“It’s the hard edge culture. It’s hard edge mentality," Wilson responded when asked how the adversity through constant change has helped shape him. "Just from a young age and growing up where I came from, Fort Pierce, Florida, that standard is something I live by and was held to my whole life. That’s another reason why I came here. I wanted to be challenged. Just like Rich Rod says, the better man you are, the better football player you are, and that’s very important for me."

Having played different roles in different schemes has more than prepared him for this opportunity in Zac Alley's very complex and versatile defense. He's seen a lot of football and knows exactly what teams are trying to accomplish.

“I would say that’s definitely a big reason why I know that West Virginia is the best place for me because I feel like every place I went and played in the schemes is just like all in one, and there’s similar things that I do that I already did before, so it’s really nothing different for me, just a different name."

For WVU, he will mostly line up as the box safety but can also play free safety as well.

WVU Athletics Communications

“Kamari is going to be a really good player," WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez stated. "He’s one of those guys that’s got a lot of experience. He’s played really good football. It’s been a seamless transition for him here. It feels like he’s been around forever because he’s got a great personality and guys gravitate to him. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s played since he’s been here.”

Probably the most encouraging thing that came out of his time at the podium on Wednesday was what he said about this team's chemistry.

“The thing about West Virginia is this is the closest team I’ve ever been a part of. It doesn’t feel like we’re just a bunch of transfers playing just to play. It feels like a family here. From coaches to janitors to cooks, we know everyone’s name, we talk to everyone, and it’s just like a big family."

For a team that has 80+ newcomers, it's imperative that a bond is built throughout the offseason and in fall camp so that when the first wave of adversity comes during the season, they step up to the challenge, knowing they are in this thing together.

This is the first time we've really heard anything about how this team is coming together, and although there's still a lot of time between now and the season, things appear to be off to a good start.