BOCA RATON, FL — If you haven’t heard of BYU phenom QB Zach Wilson by now, thanks to putting on a proverbial passing clinic at the expense of the UCF Knights, in a 49-23 romp in the Boca Raton Bowl, Wilson vaulted his name into the discussion of being a top five pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
Wilson, a 6’3 220-pound native of Draper, UT, carved up a suspect Knights defense to the tune of 425 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 26-of-34 passes. If his last second loss to Coastal Carolina was his national showcase and coming out party to those living outside of Provo, then his brilliant performance in the Boca Raton Bowl was a curtain call.
By now, we’ve heard of and seen Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, Mac Jones of Alabama–and to an extent North Dakota State QB Trey Lance–but thanks to how Wilson took apart UCF, 90 mins from their own campus on the road in Boca Raton, Wilson is a name and face many draft honks and experts are gonna be hearing and seeing a more off between now and the upcoming NFL Draft in Cleveland.
While it may be a bit premature to state this, but thanks to such a dazzling display of arm talent, accuracy and mobility, Wilson is a hybrid cross between a young Aaron Rodgers in terms and reigning Super Bowl champion and MVP in Patrick Mahomes. While it may be a bit of a disservice to label the brash and cocky Wilson the next Rodgers or Mahomes, he has that “it” factor along with the edgy swag–and cool bandana–of former BYU alum and Super Bowl champion, Jim McMahon to win over teammates and command respect in the huddle.
The latter part is criticial, especially if he were to end up being drafted in the top five, for a rebuilding franchise such as the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers or the Atlanta Falcons.
A lot can happen between now and draft day, but make no mistake, Wilson is going to be “that dude” that draft experts, fans and media will paying more attention to going forward. If Wilson’s proverbial swan song for the Cougars is any indication, then NFL teams will be lining up for the encore very soon.