2024 Team Preview: Wheeler Wildcats

Wheeler has a strong senior class. Thanks to their 2025 group, they have a real chance to make some postseason noise this fall. Here, I highlight some of the noteworthy players that you need to keep your attention on.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X-Factor Players</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1293257' first='Marcus' last='Romain'] has been a difference-maker for Wheeler since his freshman year. For years, he has flashed P4-level athleticism and explosiveness. He committed to Northwestern this offseason, backing up that claim. [player_tooltip player_id='1293257' first='Marcus' last='Romain'] runs with some serious horsepower, quickly exploding through openings and dropping his shoulder to end runs. He will have to add some touch and improve his precision as a passer, but he has plenty of juice in his arm and is efficient on the move.     Similar to Romain, Allen has been a playmaker for Wheeler since his freshman season. Allen is a one-cut, vertical runner, making one or two quick moves behind the LOS before exploding through openings and finding green grass. He might not possess the twitchiness or elite speed that other RBs in the class do, but his patience and ability to find green grass allows him to pick up several yards before contact. Allen is only going to continue to improve. He looks to have a solid grasp of the position, and a college strength and conditioning program should allow him to raise the floor of his game. Allen is committed to play Ivy League ball at Cornell.     [player_tooltip player_id='1305156' first='Kobe' last='McInnis'] is Wheeler's tone-setter on the defensive front. He finished last year with 14 TFLs and 8 sacks. Here is a power statement from an eval last November:   "Power Statement: Mcinnis is a long, versatile, and athletic edge defender that is both stout against the run and quick getting after the QB. He uses his length to his advantage and knows how to work off blocks. He grades out as an FBS edge rusher."   [player_tooltip player_id='1305156' first='Kobe' last='McInnis'] is now committed to Navy, solidifying the FBS grade I handed him months ago. Look for him to have another prolific season as a senior.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Noteworthy Players</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1315947' first='JaVon' last='Broussard'] is an elite traits athlete. He measures in at 6'2 175 and has clocked 10.95 speed in the 100M. He has several Ivy League offers under his belt. As you can imagine, his combination of size and speed makes him the top threat on the outside for Wheeler. His speed allows him to gradually separate from DBs over the top. He also frequently shows on tape the ability to fight for his footing and rise up through contact to make a grab. All in all, his size, speed, and physical nature make him a prototype deep threat. I predict his senior season will be his most productive at the HS level.     Elijah Muhammed is a hyperactive DB prospect who makes plays all over the field. He frequently impacts the game in the box, projecting as a N or a S where he will be able to fill that role more consistently. He plays in hot pursuit of the football, showing off his speed and motor by flagging down the football from across the formation or thumping ball carriers when keying downhill. He is both athletic and physical enough to match up in man against receivers as well when needed. Muhammed's athleticism and physicality give him access to plays all over the field.     Javon Tucker is one of the outside anchors for Wheeler at CB. He has plenty of length at 6'1, and has plenty of weight to add to his frame. He might move a bit awkwardly at times, but he knows how to use his length to crowd and overwhelm receivers. On top of that, he attacks the trunk of the ball carrier when he comes downhill to strike. When you add it all together, Tucker has a lot of the traits you want in a CB prospect. Now, he just has to harness those traits and tie everything together.     Jordan Whitehead was one of the tackle leaders for Wheeler last year. His size projects him long-term as a DB, but he slid down and played more of a traditional LB position for Wheeler last fall. He is a patient pursuer of the football, working with the flow of the offense and arriving on time to the ball carrier. He won't pack much of a punch in the gaps, but he does hit with enough pad level to drive RBs backward. He has solid pursuit skills and decent speed, which he shows when firing after the QB on blitzes. Even at a smaller size, Whitehead is playing well from the second level and making an impact.     [player_tooltip player_id='1571772' first='Shamar' last='Yarber'] is one of the difference makers on the defensive front for Wheeler. He finished last year with 6 TFLs, 4 of those being sacks. He is on the shorter side at 6'1 240, but compensates with his explosive. He wins often with his first step, shooting past blockers and quickly driving them onto their heels upon contact. He arrives quickly to the football, and packs a punch when he gets there. Yarber is on the small-school radar.     Wheeler coaches are excited about Young. He was all over the field last fall, totaling over 100 tackles this year and also producing against the ball. He projects as a DB, but he frequently lines up closer to the ball where he can help defend against the run. He plays with spectacular pursuit skills, flying to the football and striking with intent. Young is stocky, explosive, and fast. Pair that with his natural nose for the football, and you have a hyper productive tackler.

Wheeler has a strong senior class. Thanks to their 2025 group, they have a real chance to make some postseason noise this fall. Here, I highlight some of the noteworthy players that you need to keep your attention on.