The Student Athlete International (SAI) spotlight is on former Houston grid iron star, Dennis Wilburn. Dennis played his high school football at Aldine Nimitz High School where he was an All-District player.
Currently, Wilburn is the starting Center for the Texas Tech University Red Raiders who recently won the Texas Bowl over the University of Mississippi. To make the win even sweeter for Wilburn, the game was played in Dennis’ hometown of Houston, TX. His family and many friends were able to see him in action as Texas Tech dismantled the vaunted Ole Miss Rebels and trounced them 42-25.
In a recent interview, Dennis sat down with SAI Director Stephen Wiggins to discuss his journey to greatness, the ethos of being a “WINNER” and also commented on the past, present and his bright future.
SAI: “Well Dennis it is so great to see where you are now, but your journey to Texas Tech was definitely not a smooth one was it?”
Wilburn: “No it wasn’t Coach”. Once I left Nimitz, I went to Texas A&M Kingsville, then to Southern University-Shreveport, then to Hutchinson Junior College, and then to Texas Tech. “
SAI: “Dennis how did you persevere through all of the ups and downs”
Wilburn: “I just kept my head up and continued to work hard. I knew I could play and I knew that I would get the opportunity if I just kept grinding hard. So, I just kept grinding, not just on the field but also on my education.”
SAI: “Can you explain a situation where you had to overcome some major adversity?”
Wilburn: “ Sure. When I left Kingsville, I didn’t have anywhere to go. It was during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transfer Portal was not yet in effect, and many colleges were not playing football. I had to find somewhere to go rather quickly. Luckily, I was able to connect with Coach Wiggins and SAI and get to Southern University-Shreveport.
From Southern, I caught the eye of the coaches at Hutchinson Junior College. I went there the following semester and we had a great year and went on to win the Junior College National Championship.”
SAI: “You had some individual honors at Hutchinson didn’t you?”
Wilburn: “Yes, I made All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-American as well.”
SAI: “ Was it a smooth transition from Hutchinson (Junior College) to Texas Tech?”
Wilburn: “Not exactly. “
SAI: “What happened?”
Wilburn” “Well, I had an offer from Western Kentucky and I was preparing to go there when at the last minute Western Kentucky called and said that they were pulling my offer.”
SAI: “Wow…so even after all of your success, Western Kentucky took your offer away?”
Wilburn: “Yes, that’s what happened. But, like I said, I just continued to grind and work hard. I knew something good would happen.” A little later, Texas Tech called.”
SAI: “ I bet that was exciting, getting a scholarship offer from Texas Tech.
Wilburn: “Yes, I was pleased to get the chance to become a Red Raider, but, I did not get a scholarship offer. The opportunity at Texas Tech was to be a walk-on.”
SAI: “Were you disappointed that the offer was for a walk-on opportunity and not a full scholarship?”
Wilburn: “No, not at all. I was grateful for the chance to play and I told coach that. The way I looked at it I would be at a Division 1 school in the Big 12 Conference, one of the best conferences in the country. I knew I had my work cut out for me!”
SAI: “How was it when you arrived at Texas Tech?”
Wilburn: ” It was great. The facilities, the coaches, my teammates were all fantastic. I was 3rd Team on the depth chart though. I knew I had to work, work, and work harder to make the starting team.”
SAI: “You did it Dennis!…You became a starter on the Texas Tech offensive line!”
Wilburn: “I know Coach but I have to work harder to keep my job and to get better each day!”
SAI: “Dennis, if we could time-travel and you could go back and talk to your 10th grade self back at Nimitz High School…what would you tell the young Dennis?”
Wilburn: “I would tell my younger self to get the BEST grades possible. I realize now how important strong academic performance is. I have worked diligently on my academics and will graduate Texas Tech University with a degree. I am very proud of that, and my parents are very happy too.”
SAI: “Dennis, your entire college career you have displayed the grit, work ethic, and the ethos of a WINNER. Where does that come from because most people would not have the positive attitude you possess.”
Wilburn: “All of that comes from how I was raised and what I have been through. I have learned from the successful people around me that hard work pays off. “
GREAT NEWS….after our interview, Dennis was awarded a full scholarship at Texas Tech University.
See video (35 seconds) below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFXsxQaWDU
SAI wants to wish Dennis Wilburn all the best! His HIGH CHARACTER, work ethic, and positive attitude are an inspiration to all.
Dennis Wilburn is an example of the type of HIGH CHARACTER student athletes that SAI works with. If you know of any HIGH CHARACTER student athletes that are being under-recruited or not recruited at all, please contact SAI at: info@saitoday.com
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