Four years ago, Malden lineman Jackson Wilson made a huge first impression on football coach Kevin Collier.
Wilson was only a freshman, but Collier had big plans for him.
"I'll always remember that moment the first time I saw him as a freshman about how smart he was and how big he was for a freshmen," Collier said. "We had such a big, good bunch on the line that year but he didn't back down to anybody. His intelligent play and his ability to adjust caught our attention right away, and we knew he'd be something special."
Collier's prophetic vision of seeing Wilson bulldoze opposing defenders and offensive lineman in a smart, meticulous manner has come true. Wilson has anchored the offensive and defensive lines for the past two seasons and is ready for a big senior campaign.
The 6-foot-1, 227-pounder is the prototypical lineman. He can overpower his counterparts at the point of attack and is also a strong pass protector.
"Coaches taught me good technique from the feet up," Wilson said. "When other coaches see me that's the first thing they talk about, is my footwork and my reads off the ball."
Wilson's skill set on the defensive side comes from Collier's experience as a defensive wizard for the last 13 seasons. As a captain for the defensive front last season, Wilson developed a special bond with Collier, who was promoted to head coach earlier this year.
"I've got nothing but respect for that man and we're pretty close," Wilson said. "I'd say him and all of the coaches have not only helped me become a better player, but our defense as a whole too."
In 10 games last season, Wilson racked up 50 tackles -- seven for a loss -- recorded 5.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. The Semoball Awards finalist was the best blocker for a Malden team that rushed for over 3,000 yards and was named to the coach's Class 2 All-State second team.
"Honestly it's just the best feeling in the world to have," Wilson said of the All-State nod. "Everything I'd worked for payed off in the end."
Wilson's work in the weight room has paid off on the football field as well.
"He's a weights guy, he has been for a long time and that goes hand in hand with his play on the field," Collier said. "I believe that helps him out with all facets of the game."
Wilson spent most of his summer working with new strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Deberry to bulk up for the upcoming year. That extra work has helped improve his quickness just as much as his strength in the sport.
"Ever since the work of summer we've been hitting it hard," Wilson said. "It's weights and football every day for me and we've been making strides as a whole unit."
Wilson's strides from the moments he first stepped onto the field as a freshman up until now are catching the attention of coaches at the next level. Just last month, Wilson picked up offers from Carleton College and Grinnell College.
They could be the first of many for Wilson, but for now, he is content on focusing on his final high school season.
"It's getting really cool to know that someone wants you, but we've just got to put that on the back burner for now," Wilson said.
First, there is unfinished business to attend to.
Wilson has a lot of fund football memories including a trip to the MSHSAA Class 2 state championship as a sophomore, three conference championships and three straight perfect regular seasons.
But the losses just at the edge of greatness, including last season's quarterfinal loss to Trinity Catholic, are what keeps Wilson going.
"I feel like it just leaves a bigger chip on our shoulder," Wilson said. "Every year we know who we're going to have to go through a couple teams in particular and we don't forget about the losses. Now we just have a bigger statement to prove."
Malden will play Portageville, Charleston and Doniphan's junior varsity team in a jamboree at 6:30 p.m. Friday.