At the combine, Wilson showed impressive straight-line speed with a 4.42 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. More importantly, he displayed the ability to be a force in any direction with the Fighting Illini in his four-year career (though he missed all but the opening game of the 2009 season after having surgery for a herniated disc in his neck). He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2007, ramped up his game in 2008, and made an estimable comeback from surgery in 2010, amassing 105 tackles (63 solo), four sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and four quarterback hurries in his junior season alone. In his collegiate career, Wilson put up 226 tackles (119 solo), nine sacks, eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and 11 quarterback hurries.