4-star DL Trent Wilson commits to Oklahoma: 'Nowhere I went stood out to me the way Oklahoma did'

After being offered by over 30 schools, Trent Wilson narrowed his list down to Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Texas A&M. The four-star defensive lineman out of Upper Marlboro (Md.) Dr. Henry Wise visited Happy Valley the most and he had strong relationships with the coaches in Columbus, but it is the Sooners that he committed to on Wednesday.

Even before visiting Norman for the first time in March, Wilson had a good feeling about Brent Venables’ program.

“I had been going everywhere and seeing what it is like out there,” Wilson told On3. “I was always looking for the fit, and even before I got to Oklahoma, I liked what I knew about Coach Venables and Coach Todd Bates off of my research. Then when I got there, I knew that was it.

“I got up there, things got better, and I felt at home. I had a different feeling there. Nowhere I went stood out to me the way Oklahoma did. That is when I knew.”

Even after that visit, Wilson continued to take visits. Texas A&M had him on campus. Florida State was on his radar. He tripped back to Columbus as well, but nothing compared to Oklahoma.

“My feeling was different. They recruited me hard before I visited, so even before the visit, me and my dad had a great feeling. It just got better when I got there. I knew the place was home for me. The way they recruit is different. Their culture is different. I love that. The little things made them different. The community is one big family.”

Wilson is excited about playing for Venables and Bates

Wilson is very personable. He got to know a lot of coaches throughout his journey, but Venables and Bates made a big impact on him and his decision.

“I see Coach Bates as a role model,” Wilson said. “The same can be said about Coach Venables. He is honest, he is genuine and he doesn’t just promise you things. When I was there, we talked very little about football.

“Coach Venables and Coach Bates were about getting to know me, getting to know my family and it was a different feeling for me there. They understand me, who I am, what I want and how I want to be coached and treated.

“Noyt only are they great people, but they are great coaches. Coach Venables is a defensive-minded coach, Coach Bates has developed great defensive linemen, so they are guys I want to play for and learn from.

“When it comes down to it, Coach Venables is just himself. He doesn’t try to fake anything. I like Coach Venables for who he is. Coach Venables is a person I can vibe with and be comfortable with, and him being who he is, is who I want to play for.”

Wilson will be back in Norman soon

Originally, Wilson was set to visit Penn State on April 14, then take some time off until official visits in June. Now, he is committed to Oklahoma, he will only visit the Sooners in June and he will be back in Norman on April 20.

It already feels like home.

“I really felt like it could be Oklahoma before I even took the visit, so me getting on campus the first time was just icing on the cake,” Wilson said. “Me getting there on campus made it a done deal and I am excited to get back.

“It felt different even before I was there. I was ready to close it off when I left there, but I waited, got to Ohio State and just made sure. Now I get to go back as a commitment. It feels great.”