On The Trail

          UA jersey tour: Anthony Wheeler

          DALLAS -- The number 7 holds a lot of weight for linebackers at Dallas Skyline High School. Most recently, Corey Nelson and Peter Jinkens have gone on to do great things wearing the Skyline jersey.

          It’s now Anthony Wheeler's turn, and the ESPN 300 linebacker has yet to disappoint. He was rewarded for his efforts Tuesday, as he was the guest of honor during an Under Armour All-America Game jersey ceremony, sponsored by American Family Insurance, at his school.

          Nelson was a 2009 Under Armour All-American, and Jinkens received the honor in 2012. Wheeler called following their footsteps “a blessing.”

          “They’ve always said here that No. 7 is the leader on the defense and one of the most dominant players on the defense in past years at Skyline,” Wheeler said. “I look up to all those guys. Corey Nelson, Peter Jinkens ... all of them were great players, and I just try to play like them and want to exceed at the level they’re on.

          “I’m very thankful for everything that’s come to me. It’s amazing.”

          At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Wheeler can play inside linebacker and outside linebacker at the next level. He is the nation’s No. 3 inside linebacker and ranked No. 89 overall in the ESPN 300.

          Additionally, Wheeler also is one of the most sought-after uncommitted athletes. He's been eyeing Oklahoma and Texas for months -- no surprise since Nelson played for Oklahoma before signing with the Denver Broncos, and Jinkens is currently at Texas. However, Wheeler stressed that LSU is just as much an option for his college plans, as he’s been in frequent contact with the coaching staff.

          Wheeler said he doesn’t have any official visits planned and is focusing his attention on Skyline’s run through the Texas Class 6A playoffs. He'll focus on his college future after.

          For now, he’ll do what the No. 7s of the past did -- play to win and make a statement doing so. And when January comes, look for Wheeler to do the same at the Under Armour game.

          “I just want people to know I can play with anybody in the nation,” he said. “They’re going to see how physical I am.”

          Quick hits on Anthony Wheeler

          Best UA Game player ever: “I’ll go with Jadeveon Clowney. He goes 100 percent every play. He’s very physical, he dominates the O-line and he always attacks the ball.”

          Best player at Skyline not named Anthony Wheeler: Rice DT commit Zach Abercrumbia

          Favorite football memory: “When I was in middle school, I used to play running back. Scoring touchdowns was an exciting memory for me.”

          Did you know ... “I’m a shoe freak. I love shoes. Matter of fact, I’m addicted to shoes.”