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Friday's 55-52 Belk Bowl loss was a bitter end to the 2017 season for Aggie fans, but they received a dose of good news to close out the year that should bolster optimism for the 2018 campaign, as senior safety Donovan Wilson, announced he will return for a fifth year, apparently being granted a medical hardship waiver (or medical redshirt).
Things didn’t go as planned this year but after lots of praying and talking to my family and teammates I am excited and blessed to announce that I will be returning to Texas A&M for a 5th year thanks and Gig em
— Donovan Wilson (@donlwilson6) December 31, 2017
In order to be granted a medical redshirt, an injury must happen before or during teh first half of the season, and the player must have played in less than 30 percent of his teams' games. As Wilson suffered a season-ending foot injury in Texas A&M's season-opening loss to UCLA, his situation easily met those criteria.
Wilson's veteran presence could pay big dividends as new head coach Jimbo Fisher and [insert defensive coordinator name] look to improve an at best inconsistent Aggie defense. While they lose some big contributors like safety Armani Watts and defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson, A&M should return their entire linebacking corps, most of their defensive line and several young secondary players. Wilson will provide valuable depth and play-making ability as he tries to re-establish his NFL draft stock in his final year of eligibility.