Wilkerson attended Linden High School in his hometown of Linden, New Jersey. He recorded 78 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in his senior season. He was named to the All-Watchung Conference first-team in his junior season. He was selected to the Home News Tribune all-area first-team and Newark Star Ledger all-Union County second-team. He also helped lead Linden to state titles during his junior and senior years in basketball.
