Martez Wilson

Martez Jerome Wilson (born September 21, 1988) is an American football linebacker currently on the roster of the New Orleans Saints.

Wilson attended Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois, where he recorded 240 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in his senior season. He was an All-American selection by USA Today, Parade, SuperPrep, PrepStar and also played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Wilson was listed as the No. 2 weakside defensive end in the class of 2007.

Arriving at Illinois as a highly touted recruit, Wilson did not live up to the expectations in his first two years. In the season opener of his junior year, he suffered a herniated disc in his neck, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2009 season. He was granted a medical hardship waiver and retained a year of eligibility. By 2010, he evolved into one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten Conference, ranking second in the conference in tackles (9.1 tackles per game) midway through the season.

Wilson announced his decision to forgo his senior season, and enter the 2011 NFL Draft, on January 10, 2011.