The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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OCTOBER 2018 THE WOLVERINE 11 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Michigan junior running back Tru Wilson earned a scholarship this summer, and now he's the Wolverines' third-string running back. After graduating from De La Salle High in Warren, Mich., in 2016, Wilson walked on to the football team that fall and earned letters as a freshman and sopho- more, playing in five games during that period. One of the pleasant surprises on offense, he's an outstand- ing pass blocker and also ran 17 times for 107 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown in Michigan's first three games. Wilson talked about his ascent and the hard work that got him where he is: The Wolverine: What were your thoughts when head coach Jim Harbaugh took the walk-on tag off you this summer and gave you a scholarship? Tru Wilson: "That my dream has finally become reality. That helped with a lot of stresses that could've been [financially]." The Wolverine: You had offers from other schools and some of the service academies. Why did you choose to come to Michi- gan? Wilson: "It's the University of Michigan. It was a great opportunity to prove to myself and the world what I've got and what I can do. I never second-guessed it. I felt like this was the best place for me, both academically and for football. "My dad being a Marine, he's been through that life. He lived it and just retired a couple months ago. He always supported me coming here. He's at every tailgate, every game. … He comes to every open practice. He wants me to be here at a place where I get to play in front of 110,000 people." The Wolverine: How hard was it when you first got here to compete with the scholarship players? Wilson: "It's not easy to come in as a walk-on, because nobody really expects you to do well with the guys that they're bringing in. But no one in my family's been quitting anything. "My parents had me when they were 18, 19. They've led the way for the person I am." The Wolverine: How did you cope when things weren't going your way? Wilson: "My biggest thing since I've come here is just to be positive through it all. There have been some bad days, but you stay positive … calling my parents, my friends, I've had a lot of help through this, but it's about positivity. "Your mindset is what you can control." The Wolverine: You were recruited by most as a defensive back. How did you end up at running back, and is that your preference? Wilson: "Wherever Coach Harbaugh thinks you can play, you've just got to be able to accommodate to what he feels like fits you best. He felt like running back was the best position for me, so I went with it and it worked out. "I just play it game by game, wherever they need me. The Notre Dame game, I didn't get any carries. Western Michigan, once they told me that I'm going to get carries, I knew I'd have to make the most out of my opportunity, like I have been since I've been here." — Chris Balas Sitting Down With Michigan Junior Running Back Tru Wilson Wilson scored his first career touchdown on a nine-yard run during the 45-20 victory over SMU Sept. 15. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN (Item #1365) CUSTOM GRILL COVER Hand-made in the USA using the finest commercial grade vinyl. Mold-resistant, breathable vinyl with drawstring bottom. Block M printed with UV-resistant ink. AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES: Small: 60" wide x 36" tall x 21" deep $51.95 + $15.00 S&H Large: 72" wide x 36" tall x 21" deep $54.95 + $15.00 S&H Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery. Grill covers are made to order and shipped direct from manufacturer. Returns not related to damage may incur restocking fee. GRILL MAT $49.95 + FREE S&H Available in Two Designs: #1256: Michigan "M" #1256-SS: "Go Blue!" Southern Style Returns not related to damage are not available. SPORTULA (Item #1220) SALE! $14.95 + $6.50 S&H (Reg. $24.95) DELIVERY LIMITED TO CONTINENTAL U.S. PLEASE ADD SALES TAX FOR ITEMS SHIPPING TO: (NC 7.5%, IN 7%, MI 6%) THE WOLVERINE PO Box 2331 Durham, NC 27702 TheWolverineOnDemand.com 1-800-421-7751