Muhammad Wilkerson

Muhammad Anthony Wilkerson (born October 22, 1989) is an American football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Temple.

Early years
Wilkerson attended Linden High School in his hometown of Linden, New Jersey. He helped lead Linden to state titles during his junior and senior years in basketball.

College career
After high school, Wilkerson spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy and subsequently enrolled at Temple University. As a freshman at Temple in 2008, Wilkerson played in 11 games and recorded 13 tackles and a sack. As a sophomore in 2009 he started all 13 games and recorded 58 tackles and six sacks.

As a junior in 2010 Wilkerson recorded 68 tackles and 10 sacks. Following his junior season, he was named to the first-team All-MAC selection and the team defensive MVP.

Pre-draft
Wilkerson was initially what analysts termed "a sleeper selection"; however, following positive results at the NFL Combine and at Temple's Pro Day session, Wilkerson's draft stock rose significantly. He became regarded as a versatile prospect whom NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock compared to Trevor Pryce, concluding that Wilkerson was a first round prospect.

New York Jets
Wilkerson was drafted by the New York Jets with the thirtieth overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was the fourth Temple player to be drafted by the Jets, preceeding Mike Stromberg, Joe Klecko and Dave Yovanovits. He also became the Owls' highest draft pick since Paul Palmer, who was selected nineteenth overall in the 1987 NFL Draft. Head coach Rex Ryan reiterated Wilkerson possesses similar attributes to Trevor Pryce. Wilkerson signed a four-year, $7.4 million contract on July 31, 2011.

Wilkerson recorded his first career sack on September 18, 2011, sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Luke McCown in the end zone for a safety.