Tider Insider's
Recruiting Recap

PRE-SIGNING INTERVIEW
with
CHRIS WHEELER

Sylacauga star Chris Wheeler could fill in at Alabama for departing LBs. We spoke to Chris on Tuesday, November 12.

We know that you are related to former Alabama player Damiean Jefferies. What is that relationship?

He's my mother's brother. So he's my uncle.

That's a pretty close relationship. Has he influenced you any?

No he really hasn't. He's said very little about it. Tellie Embery, who was a teammate of mine last year, is now at Auburn. He and I are pretty close too. Tellie says he likes it down at Auburn, but he's not influencing me either.

Sounds like you know the importance of making the decision for yourself.

That's just it. It's my decision. I'll be the one who has to live with it the next 4 years. I am considering Alabama and Auburn, but I'm also looking at Tennessee, UAB, Michigan and Notre Dame. I'm not favoring any school right now mainly because I'm only in the talking stages with each school. I don't even have any visits set right now.

Do you expect to play outside or inside linebacker?

I can play either. Right now I'm playing mostly inside.

Do you compare yourself to anyone?

Not really. I do like Dewayne Rudd's style. He's all over the field. That's the way I see myself. I make tackles all over. I've had several 20-tackle games. Last weekend against Sylacauga High, I made 20 tackles and several quarterback pressures.

Do you have a nickname?

Yeah I do. I'm not sure why, but my teammates and coaches call me Flex. I think it has something to do with a song.

Actually, we think they nicknamed you that after of the famous bodybuilder, Flex Wheeler.

[LAUGHING] Maybe.

QUICK FACTS: Chris says he's 6'0, 218 and runs a 4.55. He will be eligible. Chris, or "Flex", wears number 12 in HS.