UCLA Football: Caleb Wilson makes Athlon’s Preseason All-America Team

Athlon released their 2018 Preseason All-America Team and only one UCLA football player made the cut, tight end Caleb Wilson.

UCLA football‘s Caleb Wilson had a big 2017 season… and he did it in only five games. What he was able to do in less than half a season has Bruins fans salivating in anticipation for his follow-up performance. He has also caught the eye of several college football analysts.

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Wilson emerged as a receiving fixture early in 2017 as he quickly became Josh Rosen’s go-to guy. Almost everything that was thrown his way was caught, and despite not being a speed guy, he was able to produce more yards after catch and contact.

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It cannot be understated how productive he was as a tight end. He had the skills to block on the end of line or to pop out and snag a reception in open space. Last season he only had 490 yards, but that was still good for fourth on the team. Prorated, Wilson could have ideally caught for 1,274 last season.

This is one reason why many pundits are expecting big things from Wilson.

Athlon just came out with their 2018 Preseason All-American Team and Wilson was named to the 4th Team Offense (he was also the only Bruin to make the preseason list). Now can you imagine where he would be if he was healthy last season?

Wilson looks to be a fixture in new UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. With the Bruins looking to run the ball, intermixed with a short passing game, Wilson will bring a spark to a young squad in transition. Now if they can only figure out who is going to throw to him.

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This fall, if Wilson plays as well as he did in 2017 in a full season, he will find himself on several postseason All-America Teams.