Commitment focus: Anthony Wheeler (By: Mike Roach)

[HornSports Staff]

in Recruiting By Mike Roach
 
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.

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. 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

This LB class is shaping up as a haul the likes I've never seen at the position.

 

[dillohorn]

We may become Linebacker U too.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Great pick up. Tomorrow we add two more. Class is filling up fast.

 

[Worster1]

BOOOOOM!

UT has now snagged 3 top LB's... pain is coming Big XII - especially to ou !!!

Hook 'Em!!!

 

[Juan]

#LBU

 

[Topstarr]

I love it.......Go Texas and Wheeler congrats....#LetsRide

 

[Throthefade]

A good pick up that shows UT still can grab some big time Dallas kids. I will check with my skyline connection to see how close UT is to landing Strickland...

 

[texasdalton]

If we can get the job done with a good qb and oline then we could make a run in 3-4 years. This defense has the potential of being incredible.

 

[Mike Roach]

Not kidding when I say this kid is every bit the talent Malik is. There are plays on film where he's got responsibility to all 9 gaps and is reading and reacting perfectly. That's huge for guys like Malik, Townsend, Cherry, and Hager to play with. I was blown away when I put the film on.

 

[Utjb27]

Getting his HS teammate the WR Strickland would be huge, as we obviously could use all the help we can get on the offensive side...

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Not kidding when I say this kid is every bit the talent Malik is. There are plays on film where he's got responsibility to all 9 gaps and is reading and reacting perfectly. That's huge for guys like Malik, Townsend, Cherry, and Hager to play with. I was blown away when I put the film on.

Great point. With this class of 'backers, they all have to be excited about each other's ability. Wheeler's play will make Jefferson or Cherry even more effective (and vice versa).

 

[echeese]

Heard a nasty rumor he is a grade risk . . .. any merit to that?

Also, he and Cherry are both MLBs. . .can he play the OLB/rush end style role as well?

 

[Mike Roach]

No clue on his grades, haven't heard anything.  I believe he displays enough quick twitch movement and change of direction skills to play in space.  This kid has football smarts coming out of his ears and can be a rush backer weapon.  I think you'll also see a lot of two backer looks where both he and Cherry can contribute at the same time.  In a situation like that i believe you could use Malik as the "Fox" with those two inside the box.  Cherry will play a Steve Edmond role and Wheeler in the Hicks role in nickel.  The important thing today is versatility gained at that position.  Ultimately I believe Hager moves to end in a full time role and you have a lot of different things you can do with Cherry, Wheeler, Jefferson, and Townsend.  This is one of the elite linebacker classes in the nation and I don't use elite lightly.