By Doug Blackburn. DEMOCRAT ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The numbers don't lie.
Linebacker Vernon Wilder recorded 89 tackles last season as a sophomore, far more than any other Rattler. The runner-up was defensive back Jason Beach with 70, and he played in one more game than Wilder.
If you want further proof that the redshirt junior anchors the Rattlers' defense, take a look at the videotape.
"It's pretty amazing - he's always in the camera when we're watching tape," quarterback Albert Chester II said.
"That's what you want from your middle linebacker."
Running back Demitric Henry can't say he enjoys playing against Wilder in practice. Henry admits he's wary of Wilder whenever Henry's carrying the ball.
"Everybody on the offense is looking out for him. That's why my head's on a swivel, looking for Vernon," Henry said. "Vernon is everywhere. He's over the ball - he's the heart of the defense."
Wilder stands an even 6 feet and is a sculpted 248 pounds. Named to All-Dade County and All-State teams at Carol City High School, he came to FAMU in part because that's what the Wilder men do. His grandfather, Vernon Sr., was an All-American tackle at FAMU under legendary coach Jake Gaither.
He didn't waste any time making an impact as a redshirt freshman in 2005. Wilder had 57 tackles, including two sacks and two pass deflections. Last year he took over, finishing second in the conference in tackles and earning second-team All-MEAC honors as a sophomore.
"The one thing about Vernon is that he is a student of the game," FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. "I think he is within the top echelon of linebackers in our conference.
"I've seen him work to get in great shape. He's ready to come and compete," Carter added. "He wants to do something extremely special this season."
Wilder also seems ready to be a leader in 2007.
Said Chester, "Coach Carter always says I'm the quarterback of the offense - he's the quarterback of the defense. He does a pretty good job of putting guys in the right position, making plays, scraping, being aggressive.
"Sometimes he kind of reminds you a little of (NFL star) Ray Lewis," Chester added. "He does a good job."
Senior offensive tackle Justin Delancy has spent more time than most trying to keep Wilder from getting his hands on a FAMU running back. Practicing against Wilder can be frustrating, Delancy admitted.
"Vernon is a real competitor and a tough guy to block in space," Delancy said. "He's a real competitor - a game-changer, a game-breaker at linebacker."
Sophomore offensive guard Anthony Collins has a nickname for Wilder. He calls him "The General."
"He's the man, The General. When Vernon's not out there, our defense isn't the same," Collins said. "He's a complete player. He makes all of us better."
"If you ask me, The General is the best player in our league."
A preseason first-team all-conference selection, Wilder battled a sore knee at the end of last season. It caused him to miss one game and all of spring practice, but he took part in FAMU's summer workouts and expects to be at full strength in 2007.
Before his injury, Wilder was on a tear in late October 2006. He had 12 tackles and a sack versus Norfolk State on Oct. 21; the following Saturday Wilder had a season-best 13 tackles against Morgan State.
Expect an even more assertive Wilder this season.
"You can always hear Vern," Chester observed. "If you don't hear him, you can definitely see him. He's the man on defense."
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