Jared Wilson of the Georgia Bulldogs creates history at the NFL scouting combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine is the premier event for college football players hoping to showcase their skills to NFL teams, and each year, a handful of players steal the spotlight with their jaw-dropping performances. In 2024, one such player was Jared Wilson, a standout defensive back from the Georgia Bulldogs, whose remarkable performance not only earned him rave reviews from scouts but also etched his name into the annals of NFL Combine history. Wilson’s performance not only reaffirmed his place among the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft but also elevated the reputation of Georgia football as a breeding ground for elite talent.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine took place in Indianapolis, bringing together some of the nation’s most talented football players in one venue. With NFL teams eager to evaluate every aspect of a player’s game—be it their physical attributes, technical skills, or mental acuity—Wilson’s historic display left an indelible mark on the event, showcasing his unique combination of athleticism, intelligence, and character.

This article will examine Jared Wilson’s performance at the combine, his impact on Georgia football, and what his success means for his future in the NFL.

A Rising Star: The Path to the Combine

Jared Wilson’s journey to the NFL Scouting Combine has been one of steady growth, marked by his rise as one of the premier defensive backs in college football. A native of Dacula, Georgia, Wilson was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. He joined the Bulldogs as part of a defensive backfield that had quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented in the country.

During his time at Georgia, Wilson was known for his versatility, ability to read the game, and elite speed, which made him an asset in both man and zone coverage. His contributions to Georgia’s dominant defense under head coach Kirby Smart were vital to the Bulldogs’ success in the SEC, where they routinely faced some of the most dynamic and potent offenses in the country.

Wilson’s career at Georgia was a study in consistency. He started in multiple games throughout his time with the Bulldogs, impressing scouts with his football IQ and leadership qualities. His physical attributes, including a well-defined 6’1” frame and explosive athleticism, made him one of the top prospects in the 2024 draft class. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, tackle with authority, and perform in high-pressure situations set him apart from other defensive backs, and his playmaking ability—especially in critical moments—was a key part of Georgia’s championship-level defense.

Despite his standout career at Georgia, the NFL Combine would offer Wilson an opportunity to prove that his talents were more than just a product of the Bulldogs’ dominant system. It was his chance to show that he could excel in an individual setting and demonstrate to NFL scouts that he could make an immediate impact in the professional ranks.

The Historic Combine Performance

When Jared Wilson took the field at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, the expectations were high. As one of the top defensive back prospects, Wilson had already garnered significant attention from scouts, but he would need to do more than just meet expectations—he had to exceed them. And exceed them, he did.

Wilson’s performance in the various drills and tests was nothing short of remarkable. He registered a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times among all defensive backs at the combine, showcasing his incredible speed and acceleration. His ability to close ground quickly and maintain top-end speed made him one of the most intriguing athletes in his position group.

What truly set Wilson apart, however, was his performance in the three-cone drill, a test that measures agility, balance, and change-of-direction speed. Wilson posted a 6.50-second time, breaking the previous record for defensive backs. This drill is often viewed as one of the most important for evaluating a player’s ability to change direction and mirror wide receivers—skills that are vital for success in the NFL. Wilson’s agility and fluidity in the drill not only impressed scouts but also solidified his status as one of the most athletic and well-rounded cornerbacks in the draft class.

Another key area of focus for Wilson was his vertical jump. He recorded a 39-inch vertical, an impressive number that demonstrated his explosive lower-body strength and ability to contest high throws. In his position, the ability to jump and challenge passes at the highest point is a crucial skill for success at the next level, and Wilson’s performance in this area gave scouts confidence in his ability to compete with NFL wide receivers.

Wilson also excelled in the bench press, registering 24 reps of 225 pounds. While not a top performer in this drill, his strength was more than adequate for a cornerback, and his effort demonstrated that he was more than just a fast, agile player—he was physically well-rounded, capable of holding his own in the NFL.

While his athletic testing was certainly impressive, what truly made Wilson’s performance at the combine historic was his combination of speed, agility, and strength, coupled with his football IQ. During interviews with scouts and coaches, Wilson impressed with his understanding of the game, his passion for football, and his ability to articulate how he would approach the challenges of the NFL. His poise and professionalism in front of scouts further solidified his stock, as teams began to envision how he would fit into their defensive schemes.

The Impact on Georgia Football

Wilson’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine has had a ripple effect on Georgia football, particularly in terms of recruiting and the perception of the Bulldogs’ program. Georgia has long been known for its elite defense, but Wilson’s historic combine showing brought the program even more national attention.

As Georgia continues to be a recruiting powerhouse, Wilson’s success serves as an example for future recruits looking to make their mark in the NFL. It showcases the kind of athletic development and individual growth that can occur within the program. For players considering Georgia as their future home, Wilson’s rise from a highly-touted recruit to a combine record-holder reinforces the notion that Georgia is not just a place to win championships—it’s a place that prepares athletes for the next level.

Wilson’s success also enhances the reputation of Georgia’s coaching staff, particularly Kirby Smart, who has been instrumental in developing many of the program’s top players. Smart’s defensive schemes have consistently produced NFL-caliber talent, and Wilson’s breakout combine performance is just another example of the program’s ability to prepare players for the highest level of competition.

In the broader context of college football, Wilson’s success helps further solidify the SEC as the premier conference for producing NFL talent. While many of the top college programs are represented at the NFL Combine, Georgia has positioned itself as one of the key programs producing NFL-ready athletes year after year.

What’s Next for Jared Wilson?

As Jared Wilson prepares for the 2024 NFL Draft, his combine performance has positioned him as one of the top cornerback prospects in the class. While the combine is an essential part of the evaluation process, NFL teams will also take into account Wilson’s college tape and his ability to translate his skills into the professional game.

In terms of draft projections, Wilson is expected to be selected in the first or second round, with some scouts projecting him as a potential top-20 pick. His combination of athleticism, versatility, and football IQ makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Teams that value cornerbacks with strong coverage skills and the ability to make plays in both man and zone schemes will be particularly interested in Wilson.

Off the field, Wilson has proven himself to be a mature and focused individual, someone who understands the demands of the NFL and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed at the next level. His leadership qualities, coupled with his work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement, make him a safe bet for any NFL team looking to add a high-character player to their roster.

 A Legacy Cemented

Jared Wilson’s historic performance at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has solidified his place in Georgia football history and in the annals of combine lore. His record-breaking times in key drills, combined with his impressive interviews and physical attributes, make him one of the most intriguing defensive back prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

For Georgia fans, Wilson’s success is a point of pride, as it represents the continued rise of their program on the national stage. For NFL teams, it’s a reminder that Georgia is producing top-tier talent year after year, and players like Wilson are a reflection of the program’s commitment to excellence.

As Wilson’s name climbs up draft boards, his journey is far from over. But his historic combine performance has set him on a path to success in the NFL, and he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the coming years. The legacy he has created at Georgia, both on and off the field, will leave an indelible mark on the Bulldogs’ program for years to come.