Marco Wilson Shines In Florida Pro Day, Putting Shoe-Throw Behind Him

Throwing things normally helps put players in the NFL. Granted, those players are typically quarterbacks, and the object thrown is usually a football. That's why Marco Wilson isn't proud of the throwing he's known for -- but at least he owns it.

The Florida cornerback blew any chance of the Gators making a comeback against LSU last season when Wilson made a major defensive stop for his team and then threw a shoe in celebration. That mistake gave the Tigers another 15 yards and a fresh set of downs. Kicker Cade York then booted a go-ahead 57-yard field goal. The 37-34 regular season loss ended any chance of the Gators making the College Football Playoff.

It's an experience Wilson has had a tough time living down, but he doesn't shy away from it. He understands it's a part of his past and that addressing it is something he has to do every once in a while.

"Sometimes the LSU play kind of gets brought up," Wilson said, via All Gators. "But I don’t run away from it. It’s part of my life, and things happen."

That's the correct approach to take. Whether it's jokes coming from opposing fans or concerns coming from NFL teams, it's something he has to answer for. We also have to remember that people make mistakes. Wilson got caught up in the moment.

"I just answer them in the way I need to," Wilson continued. "The LSU game, had a lot of energy, made a good play. I was excited and just made an unfortunate mistake. That’s how that is. I wished it never happened, but things happen."

Gator fans wished it never happened too.

As a player, Wilson still offers plenty of intrigue. Teams got a little taste of that during Florida's Pro Day on Thursday. Wilson was spectacular, posting a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He also had a 43.5-inch vertical and a 136-inch broad jump.

Oh, and he had 26 reps on the bench press. Folks, that is an absurd number for a defensive back. In fact, it would have ranked No. 27 amongst all participants -- regardless of position -- during last year's NFL Combine.

The vertical would be tied for ninth-best in NFL Combine history, if that event would've been held. Overall, it's one of the best cornerback athletic profiles since at least the mid-1980s. That is the sort of performance Wilson put up at almost 6-foot, 191 pounds.

This is a former four-star, top-200 prospect who started as a true freshman at Florida. The tools to be successful are absolutely there. Did he turn into the superstar many predicted following his early contributions? No, but there's still a skillset worth taking a chance on.

He just doesn't need to throw anymore shoes.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.