From foster care to the football field

       Albert Wilson is known as the all-purpose specialist and big play threat for the Georgia State Panthers' football team. He was the only Panther to score against the defending national champions Alabama last season and has been even more dynamic as a playmaker this season.

     But behind all the hype, Wilson is a just a 19- year-old young man from Port St. Lucie, Florida. Growing up in Florida, Wilson bounced in and out of foster care but sought refuge on the football field.

Inspired by uncles who played football, Wilson began playing while still in elementary school.

      As the middle child in a family of five sisters, Wilson says that he learned that the important thing in life is to support the people around you. He translates that attitude to the football field.

      "The team is the best part of football is the team — losing is worst... that's the worst part of football."

And the Georgia State football team certainly does rally around Wilson to give him that extra push.

Before last season's matchup against Alabama, Wilson was re- minded that it was his time to shine.

       "My teammate Darren McCray came up to me and told me that I had to make up for the last one [kick re- turn] that I missed," said Wilson. " He motivated me."

      The motivation worked. In the second quarter Wilson received a kickoff, launched himself up field and gracefully returned the ball 97 yards for a touchdown.

     "When I broke one tackle and got to the sideline, I thought, ‘I can't wait to get to the end zone'", said Wilson. "After, I just couldn't believe it."

     Before coming to Georgia State, he ran track at Port St. Lucie High School where he was an all-area selection. Wilson was also a quarter- back who racked up 1,029 passing yards and nine touchdowns in his senior season. However, his future was at receiver.

His overall goals are not much different. "I want everybody to know that I was a hard worker, and I want to be- come one of the best players to ever play at Georgia State," said Wilson of the legacy he wants to leave behind after he graduates.

    Until then, Wilson is working towards obtaining a degree in Sociology.

      Growing up in and out of foster care, I had people that motivated me," said Wilson. "I really looked up to them, so I would really like to do that for others."

      He hopes to use his degree to become a social worker or a motivational speaker. Wilson says that other than wanting to be a social worker, his whole life right now is sports.

      His favorite movie is The Blind Side, a movie about Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman, Michael Oher, who was adopted into a family after years of being in and out foster care.

      "I know the struggle and pressure he went through," said Wilson.

Part of the appeal for Wilson is that he can identify with the story and hopes that one day he will achieve the same success as Oher. Wilson names the Pittsburgh Steelers as his favorite team and hopes to play for them one day.

       Wilson says, "My biggest fear is not succeeding in life."

If Wilson continues to improve on and off the gridiron while staying as level headed as he is today, that won't be his worry for much longer.