Eric Wiggins, a 6-foot-3, 285 pound two-way lineman from Washington, D.C., recorded 40 tackles and eight sacks in 2006. Boston College, Connecticut, Maryland, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Virginia are keeping an eye on the Gonzaga College High School recruit. Wiggins spent the early portion of his summer vacation attending camps throughout the Eastern United States.
“I just did ten camps in about two weeks,” Wiggins said. “I attended camps at Temple, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Boston College, North Carolina State, Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Syracuse and UConn.
“My mom or dad usually went along with me on the trips to the camps, but sometimes my whole family went. We flew to a few places, but for the most part we drove. It was exhausting, yet pretty cool at the same time because you get to meet a lot of different people.”
Temple, Syracuse, Penn State and Maryland all took notice of Wiggins’ skills at their respective camps. “The schools that spoke with me after camp, said they wanted to sit down and think things over before they start discussing offers,” he said. “Most schools still have camps finishing up, so they want to evaluate all their prospects. They said they would be in contact with me soon.”
Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson wanted the Gonzaga standout to extend his stay at the Nittany Lion Camp, but Wiggins had to make other scheduled stops on his summer camp tour.
“I really liked coach Johnson,” he said. “He is really hands on with the kids and makes sure that you learn what he is trying to teaching you. I really wanted to stay longer at Penn State, but I had to continue on to other camps. Coach Johnson said that that they would keep me up on the board and see how I progress throughout my senior season.”
Wiggins, who was invited to the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio, plans on spending the rest of the summer working hard in the weight room and preparing for the upcoming 2007 high school football season.
“My weightlifting schedule has gotten a little broken up since I have been going to so many camps,” he said. “So now I am looking forward to getting back in the weight room and doing some running. I am going to work hard so I have a good senior season.”
Along with football, Wiggins competes in the shot put on the varsity track and field team and played basketball up until his sophomore year in high school. He believes both sports have molded him into a better athlete on the football field.
“I played basketball since I was nine and it really helped me with my quickness,” Wiggins said. “In shot put there is a lot footwork stuff that goes into it because there are a lot steps that go into your release. Competing in basketball and track also helped me develop explosive power.”