Wilson makes name for himself

Wideout often mistaken for teammate Briscoe

Johnathan Wilson grins when talking about that day last year at the movies.

Right after walking in, he was stopped by a young boy.

“Hey Dezmon Briscoe, No. 80!” the boy yelled out to him.

Wilson just smiled, waved and kept walking.

“During the year, I get about four to five (of those),” Wilson said with a laugh. “We really don’t look alike. I don’t know why.”

It happened again after KU’s 40-10 victory over FIU on Saturday.

After walking into the media room, a few reporters asked him questions as if he were Briscoe. He smiled and quickly revealed his true identity.

“I would kind of like to own my name,” Wilson said, “but it’s all in fun.”

Wilson looks as if he might make a name for himself soon enough.

The sophomore – making his first start as a Jayhawk – came away with five catches for 60 yards.

Last year, in nine games, he had just three catches for 52 yards.

“He made some really good plays today,” Briscoe said. “I believe that he’s progressing.”

While it couldn’t top Briscoe’s three-touchdown effort, Wilson – who shares Briscoe’s mohawk hairstyle – remained pleased with his first-game contribution.

After defining himself earlier this week as a “sleeper,” he might have stepped out of that role Saturday.

Wilson helped the Jayhawks to their second touchdown with a 24-yard catch in the first quarter, then snared a 15-yard reception on a high pass from quarterback Todd Reesing to keep a drive going early in the third quarter.

“Hopefully a few (people) know my name,” Wilson said. “I just want to try to come out next game and contribute.”

Much like Wilson, running back Angus Quigley also performed well despite having big-name players at his position.

Quigley – who only played in the fourth quarter – led KU with 47 yards on six carries.

Wilson believes he and Quigley will receive more attention as time goes on.

“We’re not forgotten,” Wilson said. “We’ve just got a lot of talented guys on our team. Our day’s going to come. I think we’ll step up – both of us – and be ready to contribute.”