RECRUITING: Wilson, Cooper detour from FNL

St. Augustine High teammates Rai-shawn Wilson and Quinterrance Cooper had penciled a trip to the University of Florida campus for the Friday Night Lights camp. However, their trip suddenly took a turn south.

“We didn’t make it to Friday Night Lights,” Wilson said. “Quint’s brother (Willie Cooper) was shot outside his house in Miami. We got our stuff and rode down there Friday morning with his Dad. We were ready to get over there (Gainesville), but this happened and we had to go.”

Willie Cooper, a safety on the Hurricanes football team was shot early Friday morning. Wilson said that Cooper and his roommate, Brandon Meriweather, were standing outside their house and approached an unidentified vehicle when Cooper was shot in the hip. He said that he believed the bullet exited through his buttocks.

“I hate missing the camp,” Wilson stated. “I’m going to call Coach Mattison and explain what happened.”

Wilson is being recruited by Florida as an athlete, running back/safety. He has previously said that if the Gators were to offer, he would probably accept and end the recruiting process. He had hoped to demonstrate his abilities to the Florida staff in hopes of an offer. Wilson currently has offers from Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Illinois.

Two prominent members of the state champion St. Augustine program, Jacques Rickerson and Brandon James, signed with the Gators in February. The Yellow Jackets are strong favorites to repeat once again.