Eric Wilkerson facts for kids
| No. 40 | |||||
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| Position: | Running back | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | December 19, 1966 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Central Catholic (Cleveland, Ohio) |
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| College: | Kent State (1985–1988) | ||||
| Undrafted: | 1989 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Career Arena statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |||||
Eric LaShawn Wilkerson, born on December 19, 1966, is a former American football player. He was a running back who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL) for one season. He also played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Wilkerson was also part of the Detroit Lions, the New York/New Jersey Knights, and the Cleveland Thunderbolts.
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Early Life and High School Football
Eric Wilkerson grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a talented athlete in high school. He played football and ran track for all four years. His team was the Cleveland Central Catholic High School Ironmen.
During his senior year, Eric rushed for almost 1,300 yards. He also scored 17 touchdowns. In track, he finished fourth in the state meet. This was for the 400-meter race. He received All-Conference and All-Scholastic honors. Eric Wilkerson has been honored in his high school's hall of fame.
College Football Career
Eric Wilkerson played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes. He played from 1985 to 1988. During his time there, he ran for 3,830 yards. He also scored 36 touchdowns. He carried the ball 739 times.
He also scored two touchdowns from kick returns. He threw two passing touchdowns. Eric also caught 44 passes for 506 receiving yards. In 1987, he was named the MAC Player of the Year. He was also the Offensive Player of the Year. That year, he rushed for 1,221 yards and ten touchdowns.
In 1988, Wilkerson led the MAC in rushing yards. He had 1,325 yards. He also led with 14 rushing touchdowns. He was named First-team All-MAC three times. The AP gave him Honorable Mention All-American honors. This was in both 1987 and 1988. After his senior year, he played in the East-West Shrine Game. In 1995, he was inducted into the Varsity "K" Hall of Fame. His jersey number 40 was retired by the Golden Flashes on March 1, 1989.
Professional Football Journey
Eric Wilkerson began his professional career in 1989. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 11, 1989. He later changed his position to wide receiver. The Steelers released him on September 4, 1989. However, they signed him to their practice squad two days later.
Wilkerson played in one game for the Steelers. This was during the 1989 NFL season. He also played in their two playoff games that year. After the 1989 season, he became a free agent.
Playing for the Detroit Lions
In 1990, Wilkerson signed with the Detroit Lions. He was released by the Lions on September 3, 1990. But the team later re-signed him.
Time in the World League of American Football
Eric Wilkerson was chosen by the New York/New Jersey Knights. This team was part of the World League of American Football. He was drafted in 1991. In 1991, he led the league in rushing. He had 717 yards. He also earned Second-team All-World League honors.
He tied for the league lead with eleven total touchdowns. He had seven rushing touchdowns. He also had four receiving touchdowns. In 1992, Wilkerson rushed for 404 yards. He scored three rushing touchdowns. He also had two receiving touchdowns.
Playing for the Cleveland Thunderbolts
In 1993, Wilkerson played for the Cleveland Thunderbolts. This team was in the Arena Football League. He recorded five tackles. He also had one pass breakup. He made one interception during his time with the team.
