Anthony Wheeler commits to Texas: Longhorns land 4-star linebacker

The Texas Longhorns continue to build momentum for their program under Charlie Strong with another fine commitment on the recruiting trail from linebacker Anthony Wheeler who gave his pledge at the Under Armour All-American Game on Friday.

More from College Football

Charlie Strong continues to build the Texas Longhorns in his image as he added a second significant linebacker commitment in recent weeks as four-star linebacker Anthony Wheeler (Dallas, TX. Skyline) gave his verbal commitment to the Longhorns on Friday from the Under Armour All-American Game.

The 6-2, 225-pound outside linebacker joins five-star linebacker Malik Jefferson as two cornerstones who should be instant impact contributors in Austin and get Texas back to the top of the Big 12.

I have verbally committed to the University of Texas! @UAFootball #UAALLAMERICA pic.twitter.com/Dde1Qe6RUn
— Tru Story ★ (@bigwheels_45) January 2, 2015

Wheeler is the nation’s No. 168 overall recruit regardless of position, No. 10 outside linebacker and the No. 22 recruit in the talent-rich state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Skyline has been a pipeline to Austin with Peter Jinkens, Christian Scott and Mike Davis former Dallas Skyline products who have found a home at Texas. But it didn’t always look like that would be the case for Wheeler who looked like he would be headed to rival Oklahoma for much of the recruiting process.

However the momentum began to swing in favor of the in-state Longhorns because of his relationship with Strong and his primary recruiter, Brian Jean-Mary.

“I sat down with my family and talked about how comfortable I felt with the coaches and how comfortable I felt with the school,” Wheeler tells 247Sports. “I felt like that’s where I needed to be.”

Wheeler will have an opportunity to play heavy minutes at middle linebacker as a true freshman with Dalton Santos the only returning middle linebacker currently on the roster, although there could be some position changes between now and the beginning of the 2015 season.

Sounds like Texas has had another good week of recruiting. Enjoy Texas not being Texas while it lasts, Big 12.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 2, 2015

What is certain, however, is Strong has Texas headed in the right direction despite a 6-7 record in his first season. Texas has the top recruiting class in the Big 12 and could finish with a top-1o overall ranking once signing day is over.

With commitments from Wheeler, Jefferson and No.7 pro-style passer, Zach Gentry, it may not be much longer until Strong has Texas back atop the Big 12 standings and competing for a berth in the college football playoff.

For more college football coverage leading up to the national championship game stay on FanSided.com to stay on top of the latest updates, including the latest scores, news, injury updates, videos and more.

The Texas Longhorns continue to build momentum for their program under Charlie Strong with another fine commitment on the recruiting trail from linebacker Anthony Wheeler who gave his pledge at the Under Armour All-American Game on Friday.

More from FanSided