Florida football: Quincy Wilson to begin a new journey with Jets

After being traded in the 6th round, former Florida football cornerback Quincy Wilson looks to leave his demons behind in 2020.

Quincy Wilson had an incredible tenure with Florida football during the Jim McElwain era.

We’re talking about an era that consisted of SEC offenses being constricted and seemingly overwhelmed when trying to throw against the tandem of Wilson and Teez Tabor.

Also, an era that witnessed Wilson record six interceptions and 81 total tackles during his three-year stint in the blue and orange.

But those days are long gone, and now the fourth-year defensive back will be heading to New York to play alongside two of his college teammates- Brian Poole and Marcus Maye.

The funny thing is, Wilson will also be joining two other Florida football players in the Gotham Green after Jabari Zuniga and Lamical Perrine were selected in the third and fourth rounds of the draft.

Does it seem that there is a Florida football reunion brewing in New York?

How did we get here?

All of this manifested from Wilson’s limited, and unimpressive 2019 season with the Indianapolis Colts where he saw limited playing time due to injury and a bloated room of cornerbacks.

And as with any trade, other factors certainly came in to play as well.

Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus moved away from the man-to-man defensive scheme that Wilson had been accustomed to, and ultimately began to incorporate a zone strategy.

To make matters worse, Wilson found himself playing a linebacker/safety role on the defense. A position that the Miami native hadn’t played since his days at University High School.

In return, Wilson was not intrigued, nor was he cheerful over the sudden changes. And the truth was revealed this offseason as he indulged some unpleasant thoughts when speaking to Stephen Holder of The Athletic:

"“It was definitely frustrating. I felt like in my second year, I was coming off a good year and I finally figured out some things and I had something to build on. I feel kind of like I got robbed of that this year.”"

In a matter of seconds, the skeletons that had once been out of sight were left for everyone to see, which led to Indianapolis parting ways with Wilson via trade.

Nonetheless, with the past behind him, Wilson is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as his career with the Jets begins.

A fresh start in New York

It’s clear that Wilson has endeavors of reaching a starting role with the Jets in 2020, but the path may not be as easy as you would think.

Just last month, the Colts decided to cut Pierre Desir, and on the exact day, the New York Jets coincidentally decided to scoop the talented seven-year veteran cornerback.

Now, Desir will be expected to take over first-team duties as soon as practice resumes, but the real uncertainty is at the opposite corner where Blessuan Austin, Bryce Hall, and Quincy Wilson will battle for the starting role.

Last season, Austin started six games at cornerback. And while he performed respectably, the spot is still up for takings.

Fortunately for Wilson, unlike his time with Indianapolis, he will be playing on a defense that has recently switched to a man-to-man scheme that prides itself on excellent defensive back play.

This is right up Wilson’s alley, who has more NFL experience than both Austin and Hall combined.

Wilson, who is 6’2, fairs better in a man coverage system that allows him to use his size and ability to blanket receivers. It’s far less about anticipation.

The path is clear, but if Wilson wants to overcome the backup role, he must perform well this offseason and hope that DC Gregg Williams likes what he sees.

If he does, Wilson will be accompanied by Marcus Maye and Brian Poole, two former Florida football stars who have exceeded expectations in New York.

It will be the first time that the trio have shared a field since The Citrus Bowl in 2016.

All in all, this has the potential to be a fairy tale story for Quincy Wilson.

It’s ultimately up to him on whether or whether or not the story will remain a fairy tale.