Former Florida State running back James Wilder, Jr. announced on Twitter on Wednesday that he has signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Tryin to turn a opportunity to a pretty situation!!!!! Contract signed!!!! #Opportunity #BillsMafia #getWILDER pic.twitter.com/ZutX0hjGA4
— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) January 20, 2016
Wilder, 23, was an undrafted free agent in the 2014 NFL Draft that has spent the past two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was a member of that team's practice squad. He adds to the lengthy list of former Seminoles that currently play in Buffalo, a list which includes another former Florida State running back, Karlos Williams.
In his three seasons at Florida State (2011-13), Wilder logged 226 carries for 1,363 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns, adding 24 receptions, 182 yards, and two touchdowns as a receiver. A five-star recruit coming out of high school and the son of long-time Tampa Bay running back James Wilder, the younger Wilder never really stood out in a crowded Seminoles backfield that has since produced multiple quality NFL players. A poor showing at the scouting combine and a series of off-field issues helped him go undrafted, but the 6'3", 232-pound back clearly has potential.
Buffalo presents a challenge for Wilder to finally crack a NFL active roster, however, as the Bills have an established one-two punch in LeSean McCoy and Williams, plus another able-bodied prospect in the productive Mike Gillislee and veteran special teams ace Boobie Dixon.