By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia strengthened Coach John Rudzinski’s defense on Monday with the additions of a defensive end/outside linebacker and a disruptive interior pass rusher.

Zion Wilson, a first-team All-American Conference defensive lineman from East Carolina with one year of eligibility remaining, committed to the Cavaliers.

The 6-foot-3, 318-pound Wilson is an interesting story in that he was a walk-on player at ECU in 2021 and 2022, didn’t get a single snap, then in 2023 and 2024, he played almost exclusively on special teams while transitioning from the offensive to defensive line.

Wilson expected playing time in ‘24 but was disappointed and determined to finish his ECU career on a good note, and did he ever.

This past season, the big lineman posted 42 tackles (20 solo) and 10 tackles-for-loss, 7 sacks and a PBU, earning him first-team all-conference plaudits.

In ‘24, he played in 13 games, all on special teams, where he had 70 snaps after playing in 11 games for the Pirates in ‘23 and gaining 54 snaps, 51 of those on special teams.

He helped East Carolina beat ACC member Pitt in the Military Bowl last month.

Coach Rud also added another “edge” player, the fifth commitment at that position this portal cycle, in former Kent State player Jamond Mathis, a 6-3, 245-pound pass rusher originally from Saint Charles, Missouri. Mathis, who will be a redshirt junior this coming season, was a second-team All-MAC selection.

He led the Golden Flashes in pass rush with 35 pressures, 25 QB hurries and 17 stops along with 6 sacks, including a sack against Oklahoma. His PFF grade was impressive with an overall defensive grade of 85.3, a pass rush grade of 82.9 and a 78.5 grade on run defense.

A solid one-on-one tackler, Mathis rarely missed a tackle this past season for the Flashes.

He also played in 2024 for Southern Illinois.