Damon Wilson II has gotten a taste of success at Miami and should be ready to eat

Damon Wilson II has flipped the script and any concerns about how the edge rusher's ability to live up to the expectations have been alleviated. 

After a very slow start to the season, Wilson is now at full speed, and it showed against Clemson in Week 5. The Missouri transfer spent so much time in the Tigers' backfield that Tait Reynolds probably thought he had bought out the lease at Memorial Stadium. Wilson had 11 QB pressures and 2.5 sacks against Clemson, leading the way in a 41-13 win.

Damon Wilson II is becoming who Miami thought he was

Wilson was the Miami Hurricanes' big transfer portal move on the defense. With Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor heading to the NFL and the knowledge that Hayden Lowe wasn't long for the program, Wilson was the pass-rush specialist that Miami needed to keep the ball rolling.

The whole thing got off to a bit of a rocky start because Wilson was technically part of the second-team defense, albeit more of a co-starter than anything, and he wasn't making an impact. The explosive movements weren't there, and Wilson was struggling to fight off blocks. Because most college football fans need everything, and they need it now, Wilson was actually referred to as a bust after a couple of games.

But things began to turn around at Wake Forest, when Wilson got a sack and forced a holding call in the end zone that resulted in a safety. After Wilson's performance against the Demon Deacons, the narrative changed from wondering if Wilson was a bust to hoping he could build on that effort.  Well, he's building, and he's also taking down quarterbacks. As for Wilson's issues with fighting off blockers, he ran through double teams against Clemson.

When Wilson puts together the whole package, it's impressive to see. His first step is off the charts, and he has the ability to transition from a speed rush to power during the play. Wilson can line up wide and get around the edge, or he can line up closer to the tackle and use that quick step on an inside move and force the tackle to cross his feet. 

It feels like Wilson is just getting started, and it's the perfect time for that. He should be able to feast against FSU because Ashton Daniels struggles to see the field in the passing game, Pitt will be playing its backup quarterback for the rest of the season, and North Carolina's Billy Edwards is a turnover waiting to happen the second he feels a pass rush. Those are Miami's next three opponents and, after taking a few weeks to understand his environment, Wilson is ready to eat. 

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