Former Mississippi State WR De'Runnya Wilson Found Dead At 25 In Potential Homicide
By Michael Luciano
One of Mississippi State's greatest wide receivers in program history has been found dead in a turn of events that left the Bulldog community in a state of shock.
Former Miss State wide receiver De'Runnya Wilson was found dead at the age of 25 in a Birmingham, AL home on the city's Southwest side by a relative on Tuesday. Birmingham Police Sgt. Johnny Williams claims that his death is being investigated as a homicide.
Former Miss. St. WR De’Runnya Wilson found dead. https://t.co/3UaaJC59wL
— WilliamThornton (@billineastala) January 21, 2020
"We are currently trying to contact anyone in the area and gather additional information as to what may have occurred during this homicide," Williams said.
The 6-5, 215-pound Wilson, nicknamed "Bear" saw significant playing time over his three seasons at Mississippi State, with his 60 catch, 918 yard, 10 touchdown season in 2015 standing out as his best. He was Dan Mullen and Dak Prescott's preferred third down weapon.
In three seasons, Wilson caught 133 passes for 1,949 yards and 22 touchdowns, which is second most in Bulldogs history.
Wilson's NFL stock slipped after a slow 40 time at the NFL combine, and the closest the undrafted receiver made it to the pros was a workout with the Chicago Bears in 2016.
De’Runnya Wilson had many unforgettable moments in Maroon and White, including one of my favorite plays in Mississippi State history.
— Tru Maroon Nation (@TruMaroonNation) January 21, 2020
Will never forget the stadium erupting when he fell into the end zone against Auburn. pic.twitter.com/4DaybswJTm
Wilson's pro future might not have panned out, but he will remain a legend in Starkville forever. Our condolences go out to the Wilson family, his old teammates, and Mississippi State as a whole, as losing someone like him at the age of 25 is nothing short of a tragedy.