Big, bad running back Justen Wilson

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Bacon, Bus, Big Daddy, Teddy, Precious, J Willow: University of New Haven football player Justen Wilson carries about as many nicknames as he does pounds.

Don't let his size foul you, Wilson is making a name for himself on the ground for the undefeated pass happy Chargers.

He is UNH's bundle of energy and a fully charged Charger.

"He's a good dancer," said Pete Rossomando, UNH Head Coach.

"Kick offs I just get excited, pumped up," said Wilson.

The big guy can move. Wilson gets up and down the field with speed, power and a little bit of grace.

"First saw him coming into the Spring I said no way this guy can run at all, and ya know he makes these quick subtle cuts, but obviously hes 280-290 so he brings more to the table," one defensive player said.

To hit or be hit by Wilson: that is the question. Either way, opposing players are going to feel it. The sophomore running back goes 5'8" and 285 pounds.

"It's kind of fun being a big running back and people are trying to tackle you," Wilson said.

The fun part depends on who you ask.

"It hurts them more than it hurts me," Wilson said.

The former Hyde of Hamden standout also gets plenty of time on special teams. Rossomando originally recruited Wilson to play defensive tackle, but after a year of playing running back in prep school Rossomando said why not.

"We figured if he doesn't make it there we can move him to defensive line," Rossomando said, "but he's done a great job of lowering his weight and getting in shape."

A communications major, Wilson thinks he may want to be a sports caster one day. The Hamden native certainly knows football, he respects the game and its history. His #44 is in honor of one of the players he tries to emulate.

"First it was Floyd Little coming out of New Haven, which is why I wear 44," said Wilson, "then there was Jerome Bettis, he was a big influence cause he's kind of like me."