Following LSU’s 2003 Sugar Bowl victory, center BenWilkerson had a decision to make.
Wilkerson already had earned two Southeastern Conferencechampionships and a national championship. He watched standoutsMichael Clayton and Matt Mauck leave early for the NFL Draft. YetWilkerson saw an opportunity that led him to remain at LSU for hissenior year.
“Mauck and Clayton were two really good leaders on thisteam,” Wilkerson said. “But once I knew that they wereleaving, it became my opportunity to step up and lead thisteam.”
And leading is exactly what WIlkerson has done — starting37 straight games, as well as serving as a mentor to some of theyounger players.
“He understands what the young players go through becausehe’s gone through it,” sophomore wideout Craig Davissaid. “He understands that some [younger players] might getdistracted with cameras at practice, but he’ll really put youin your place.”
Wilkerson’s ability to relate to a lot of the youngerplayers stems back to 2001, when Wilkerson was thrust into thestarting lineup as freshman. Wilkerson thrived in the positionearly, with LSU posting an 8-1 mark with him starting atcenter.
Since his freshman year, Wilkerson has gained not only therespect of the national media by being named quickest lineman inthe SEC by the Sporting News, but also the respect of histeammates.
“People respect him because of the way he plays,”senior tackle Andrew Whitworth said. “He plays hard andalways tries hard whether he succeeds or fails.”
Whitworth added, despite the media attention Wilkerson receives,he is just focused on doing his job.
“Whether he stands out or not, who knows,”Whithworth said. “But he definitely does his job every weekand he’s done a good job of being there and handling thepressure.”
Wilkerson said it all relates back to his family, where he isthe oldest of eight children.
“Growing up in a big family has helped me bring up some ofthe younger guys,” Wilkerson said. “We might play ondifferent sides of the ball, but we’re still a family.We’re still part of the same team.”
As a part of that family, Wilkerson’s grandfather has hadan everlasting effect on his attitude on and off the field.
“He’s a big part of my life,” Wilkerson said.”We have a very good connection.”
That connection comes from both Ben and his granfather playingfootball at Hemphill High in Hemphill, Texas, where both wore theNo. 55.
“[Wearing No. 55] is something that’s real specialto me,” Wilkerson said. “He’s really close to myheart, and every time I play, I do what I can to make himproud.”
Wilkerson also sports a tattoo on his left triceps with the No.55.
“A lot of guys ask me what happens if I get to the nextlevel and get another number,” Wilkerson said. “I justtell them that No. 55 is more than a football number tome.”
While growing up in a large family may have helped Wilkersonbecome a team leader, teammates say it did not help him with someof his other talents.
“He sings and dances at practice,” Davis said.
But when asked if he was any good, Davis denied the idea.
“Oh no,” Davis said. “He’snot.”