Jack of all trades: Julian Wilson’s adaptability fuels Lehigh football

For senior Julian Wilson, football isn’t about being seen. It’s about being useful.

Before practice begins, he’s already in motion – moving across units to fill different roles on the team. 

During his four years as a Mountain Hawk, Wilson has played three different positions. He began as a linebacker and then became a key contributor on special teams. Most recently, he’s shifted to offense as a tight end. 

As a finance major from Oakland, California, Wilson said the moment he stepped onto campus felt like an opportunity he didn’t want to waste. 

Coach Kevin Cahill said as a first-year, Wilson stood out not because of his voice, but because of his consistency. He worked, showed up and volunteered.

But Wilson said his versatility didn’t come out of nowhere. He played both sides of the ball in high school and stayed on the field for the majority of games. 

“When you’re out there with guys you really care about, it makes you want to do whatever you can for them,” Wilson said. “If switching positions helps someone next to me, then that’s what I’m doing.” 

Wilson said his willingness to move, learn and adjust has shaped his identity as a player. 

With 11 players on the field, the team’s mantra “do your 1/11” reminds the Mountain Hawks to focus on individual responsibility and execution, trusting that if everyone does their part the group will succeed. 

Wilson said he follows that mindset — prioritizing daily improvement and effort over the scoreboard. 

“We always say, do your 1/11,” Wilson said. “Go 1-0 every day, (and) process over outcome.”

Cahill said this season, when the team needed depth at tight end on offense, Wilson became the obvious choice to fill the gap. From day one, he said Wilson was the player always saying, “I’ll do it.”

This position change from linebacker to tight end was what Cahill called an experiment that quickly became permanent.

“We just tried to bring him over (to offense) and see if maybe he could do it,” Cahill said. “And it went from maybe you can do it, to that he definitely can do it.” 

Sophomore defensive back Ignatious Williams said the move reflects who Wilson is at his core. 

Williams said while Wilson’s name isn’t always mentioned or announced, he shows up big time for special teams and the offense. 

“That’s the type of guy (Wilson) is,” Williams said. “Whatever’s best for the team, he’ll do it, and he’ll do it to the best of his ability.” 

Wilson also works at Taylor Gym as the payroll manager, where he organizes time sheets and makes sure staff hours are correctly recorded. 

He said the role is manageable because of the support he receives that allows for a flexible schedule fitting into practices and games. 

Cahill said Wilson stands out beyond his work ethic in football. He stands out because of who he is as a person. 

He said that Wilson has made use of every opportunity he’s been given, and his work ethic and character will make him successful in life after graduation. 

“This place has gotten so much value out of Wilson, more so as the person and the leader,” Cahill said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have him in our program.”