Family has always been a driving force for James Wilder Jr.
As a running back, he has been motivated to live up to the name his dad established while rushing for more than 6,000 yards in a 10-year NFL career that included a Pro Bowl selection. After his parents separated, he worked two jobs in high school to help his mom pay the bills.
And now, as he gears up for the NFL draft, Wilder is inspired by his young daughter, Nala, who was born in early 2013. Wilder, who ran for 563 yards in 81 carries with eight touchdowns last season to help Florida State win the national championship, says Nala has been the biggest inspiration in his life.
Here is more about his journey toward the NFL draft, where he is projected to be taken in the later rounds (Update: The Bengals signed him as an undrafted free agent), in his own words:
