COLUMBIA - Missouri defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross said safety Thomas Wilson set the bar for how he wants his defenders to play during training camp in August.
The junior was a special teams mainstay his first two seasons, collecting 31 tackles in 25 games with the unit. He also played as the team's nickel back, but couldn't crack the starting lineup with three-year starter Ian Simon ahead of him at free safety. When Simon's graduation left his starting spot vacant, Wilson's hard work earned him the position.
Through three games, Wilson is leading the Tigers (1-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) with 25 tackles. He led Missouri defenders with 10 last Saturday against Georgia.
"There are many factors that go into that," cornerbacks coach Greg Brown said, "it could be one of a number of things so we don't really read into it other than hey are you making all the opportunities to make a tackle or are you missing any."
Missouri has moved Wilson all over the field on defense.
When he lines up at free safety in the base defense, his job is to play more zone coverage. He also lines up on the opponent's slot receiver with Cam Hilton playing at free safety when the team uses its nickel defense.
Wilson has embraced taking on more responsibility on defense in Cross' first year as coordinator.
"We are more involved now," Wilson said in August. "We make the calls and tell everybody else what to do. I feel like this defense this year allows the safeties to make more plays."
Being more involved in play calling has also led to Wilson stepping up as a leader. He said Simon and Markus Golden were former teammates whom he models his leadership style after, but he also just wants to be himself.
"Now that I'm starting, now that I'm older, I saw some guys come into the program that were great leaders," Wilson said, "so now I'm just trying to put my own spin on it and be who I am."
Wilson and the Tigers know they have work to do on defense though, particularly against the pass.
Missouri is ranked 111th after giving up 848 passing yards through three games. Georga freshman quarterback Jacob Eason passed for 308 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday, and junior wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie caught 10 passes for 122 yards and two scores, one being the game winner late in the fourth quarter.
"He was really quick," Wilson said of McKenzie, "he's a really quick guy, he wasn't that big just his routes, his cuts, he's a good player."
Wilson said he has grown mentally in his time with the Tigers. He feels like the same player, but getting more experience has made him more mature as a player. Wilson is not worrying about things he can't control on the field, and instead is more focused on doing his job.
"He's very comfortable out there now in plays and in series, he will walk by and tell everybody come one we got it, focus up," senior cornerback Aarion Penton said. "He's focused, knows his assignment, very smart, knows different formations. I think if we keep it up and keep our chemistry level tight we should be fine."
Missouri will host Delaware State at 3 p.m. Saturday.