The Longhorn fan base received an unexpected boost on Friday when Dallas (TX) Skyline linebacker Anthony Wheeler announced his commitment to the Longhorns at the Under Armour All-American Game. The long time Oklahoma lean had been in contact recently with Charlie Strong and Vance Bedford, and ultimately ended up choosing to spend his college career in Austin. Wheeler chose Texas over offers from Texas A&M, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Ohio State.
— Twitter API (@twitterapi) November 7, 2011
The 2014 Under Armour All-American joins an already loaded linebacker class in Austin consisting of Cecil Cherry, Breckyn Hager, Cameron Townsend, and the state’s top prospect, Malik Jefferson. Wheeler is rated as a composite four-star prospect by 247 sports, and profiles as an inside linebacker prospect at the college level. Wheeler is the first player from the vaunted Skyline program to pick Texas since current Longhorn Peter Jinkens chose the Horns three years ago.
Film Analysis:
At 6’3 230 lbs., Wheeler has a big, thick frame capable of manning the middle linebacker position. Inside the box Wheeler is a thumper who shows great ability to scrape into gaps and plug running lanes. Wheeler plays out of a good low stance and instinctively diagnoses plays at a higher level than just about any linebacker I’ve seen on film this season.
Wheeler uses great leverage and pad level at the point of attack and is able to quickly dismiss blockers to make plays in the backfield. Wheeler also shows great lateral mobility, and can play sideline to sideline. His pursuit techniques and angles demonstrate instinctive play at his age. Wheeler also shows good straight-line speed for his size and a quick change of direction skill.
Wheeler is a solid tackler who closes quickly and uses great technique. He also shows the ability to be a big hitter. Wheeler’s film doesn’t show much in pass coverage so it’s hard to assess his skills in that area. With his lateral ability and athleticism it would be easy to see him thriving in pass coverage, but his skills remind me a lot of Jordan Hicks.
Final Verdict:
When I look at Wheeler’s film, it’s every bit as impressive as Malik Jefferson’s. Wheeler looks like a top ten player in the state to me, and his commitment is a fantastic bow on top of that collective package. Wheeler’s size and athleticism mean he has a ceiling close to Jefferson’s which could include an All-American and early round draft selection.
