CAREER: One of the team’s most important reserves, Wilkins played extensively at guard in 2002…missed 2002 spring practice following surgery to replace a torn glenoid labrum muscle in his right shoulder…one of the most experienced players on the team, having played extensively as a reserve and spot starter throughout his career….was a standout performer in the 2002 Rose Bowl, earning a spot on the Sports Illustrated All-Bowl Team.
2002 (SENIOR): Played in nine games as a reserve guard…saw extensive action against Florida A&M, Florida, Boston College, Connecticut, Rutgers, Tennessee, Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
2001 (JUNIOR): Was a vital player at guard and tackle…stepped in as the starter at left guard midway through the season when starter Sherko Haji-Rasouli was lost for the year with a knee injury… showed dramatic improvement to the point where the Miami offense didn’t lose momentum with the loss of Haji-Rasouli…had impressive outings against Syracuse, Washington, Virginia Tech and Nebraska, playing the entire season despite an injured shoulder… his outstanding play against Nebraska in the Rose Bowl earned a spot on the All-Bowl Team selected by Sports Illustrated.
2000 (SOPHOMORE): Started the season’s first two games at left guard in place of then-injured Greg Laffere…played at West Virginia, the season’s third game, before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with an injury.
1999 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games as the back-up to Joaquin Gonzalez at right tackle…saw first action of his career against Florida A&M.
1998 (REDSHIRT): One of 15 members of the 1998 recruiting class to redshirt.
HIGH SCHOOL: Plainfield…dominated at both offensive tackle and defensive end his senior year…won the Kevin Bowie All-American Award in recognition of his academic and athletic excellence…first-team Newark Star-Ledger All-State selection…second-team Courier News All-State pick…registered 60 tackles, 3.5 sacks, eight caused fumbles and five fumble recoveries as a senior…was instrumental in Plainfield’s first playoff appearance in 18 years…served as team captain as a junior and senior…collected 80 tackles, 11 sacks, caused seven fumbles and three fumble recoveries during junior campaign…coached by Milt Theodosatos.
PERSONAL: Born 12/9/79…currently working on a second bachelor’s degree (sociology) after earning a liberal arts degree in May, 2002… full name is Edward Raymond Wilkins, Jr…chose Miami over West Virginia, North Carolina and Penn State…son of Edward and Grace Wilkins…married to the former Catrina Natae Floyd…the couple has a son, Elisha Reven Wilkins (1).
