Tyree Wilson signs with Texas A&M. (front row from left) sister Taylor Helton, mother Tiffany Teatherton, Tyree Wilson, grandmother Mary Weatherton; (second row) Charles Helton, grandfather Havard Weatherton and West Rusk coach John Frazier. (Tyler Morning Telegraph/Phil Hicks)

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NEW LONDON — Despite a late push from Arkansas, Tyree Wilson held true to his commitment and signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday.

Wilson, a 6-6, 230-pound standout defensive end, inked with the Aggies during a ceremony at the West Rusk High School gymnasium in front of family, friends, coaches and classmates.

The Raider committed to the Aggies in June and while he had second thoughts when A&M fired coach Kevin Sumlin, he stuck with Southeastern Conference school.

“At first it did (about Sumlin being fired) because I thought coach (Terry) Price would be gone,” Wilson said. “I have a great relationship with coach Price (defensive end coach). It was a concern that he might leave, but he’s still there so I stayed with them.”

A&M letterman and longtime SEC coaching veteran Price will be in his fourth year as the Aggies’ defensive ends coach and his seventh season overall at his alma mater.

Arkansas assistant coach Jeff Traylor, the former Gilmer, Texas and SMU coach, did make inroads for the Razorbacks.

“Arkansas was the main other school I considered and TCU, but Arkansas was really the only other one I thought about,” said Wilson, acknowledging Hogs made a late push.

Wilson is thought to have a tremendous upside — he’s considered a consensus three-star product and turned in a great senior season with 123 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, five sacks, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.

Wilson, who will major in sports management, said he feels comfortable in the 4-2-5 system A&M runs since West Rusk coach John Frazier employs the same defense.

While Wilson said playing in the SEC did not make an impact on his decision.

“It is a great school and I just wanted to be a part of something great,” he said.

 

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