Wilkerson attended Loudon High School in Loudon, Tennessee, where he played both offensive tackle and defensive tackle, and was named to the all-state team his senior year.[1] He signed with Tennessee in 1982, though he was a redshirt his first year.
Working with Tennessee offensive line coach (and future head coach) Phillip Fulmer, Wilkerson secured a spot in the second string during the 1983 season, backing up veteran tackle Curt Singer.[2] By his sophomore season in 1984, he was a starter, anchoring a line that helped running back Johnnie Jones set career rushing records.[3] Wilkerson was an integral member of the 1985 "Sugar Vols" squad, and was named All-SEC and 2nd-team All-American at the end of the season.[4] In the 1986 Sugar Bowl, Wilkerson's block on Miami nose guard Jerome Brown helped spring Jeff Powell's 60-yard touchdown run.[5]
After an All-SEC senior year in 1986, Wilkerson was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the second round of the 1987 NFL draft.[6] He spent his first eight seasons with the Raiders, and was a starter throughout the early 1990s. He was on the inaugural roster of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, and closed out his career with Green Bay.
^"1983 SquadArchived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine," 1983 Tennessee Volunteers Football Program (University of Tennessee, 1983), p. 59.
^"1985 SquadArchived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine," 1985 Tennessee Volunteers Football Program (University of Tennessee, 1985), pp. 74, 112-113.
^"1986 SquadArchived December 19, 2013, at the Wayback Machine," 1986 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1986), p. 79.
^Keith Jackson and Frank Broyles, game commentary, 1986 Sugar Bowl television broadcast, ABC Sports, January 1, 1986.