clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Bengals UDFA James Wilder Jr's journey to the NFL

It is not often the guys picked up after the draft get their stories told like the guys selected early. Everyone has a past and some work hard to overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams. James Wilder Jr is one of those people.

By whodeyfans
Streeter Lecka

The Bengals are looking to improve the running game this season and proved it with their second pick in the draft. After the draft ended, the Bengals took a flyer on undrafted free agent James Wilder Jr. Wilder left Florida state after his junior season to become draft eligible.

At FSu, Wilder rushed for 1,358 yds and 20 touchdowns. In his junior season during the national championship push, he rushed for 563 yds and 8 touchdowns. Wilder follows in his fathers footsteps who also had a 10 year NFL career for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

ThePostGame.com has a video about wilder and his path to the NFL. It includes stories of him growing up and the family he currently supports. Wilder worked multiple jobs at times in high school to help his family make ends meet.

He also talks about living up to his fathers reputation. I know after watching the video, I will be pulling for Wilder to find his way as his journey into the NFL begins.

More From Cincy Jungle