At 6’5” and roughly 300 pounds, Lebanon junior Tristan Wilson is a towering presence in the shot put circle.
He can also be a dominant post player on the basketball court.
“Basketball and track have really helped me a ton,” Tristan said.
But flip on the football tape, and you’ll see where Tristan really shines.
“We’ve had a lot of kids with great heart, and had some outstanding all-state caliber linemen, but not many with that kind of build to go with it,” said Lebanon Offensive Line Coach Garett Wade.
Tristan is a three-star offensive line prospect. To say he has college options is an understatement, with more than 15 schools extending him offers.
“Kids from Lebanon don’t get this opportunity very often, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a little kid,” Tristan said.
But these aren’t your average, every day programs.
Tristan has drawn offers from teams in every single Power Five conference from Arkansas to Mizzou to Alabama.
“It’s definitely crazy,” he said. :I never thought in a million years that I’d be in this position. So I just try to take it all in and realize what position I’m in and keep working. It’s a blessing.”
Wade played the position for Lebanon and then Missouri State, so he knows what helps Tristan stand out from the crowd.
“He’s an explosive athlete with the size,” Wade said. “The size, although it’s uncommon, can be found. But having the [footwork], the explosiveness, and the intangibles along with it, once you get to know the kid, that’s what really sells coaches.”
That’s also what makes Tristan so special to the Yellowjackets program.
“He’s really the perfect kid to have the spotlight, because there hasn’t been any arrogance about it. If we had a kid that I could say he’s a great representation of what our town is, he’s the exact fit,” Wade said.
Now, Tristan will try to find his perfect fit.
He hopes to make in person visits to different schools in June before making his final choice.
“I’d like to be committed before my senior season,” Tristan said. “I’d like to go into that around my team, no distractions or anything.”
12 years ago, former Yellowjacket lineman Justin Britt signed with Mizzou before spending six seasons in the N-F-L.
Tristan says watching Britt make the pros helped him believe he could make it too.
