ASU Football: Local Product Tyler Whiley Signs With Sun Devils
By Mike Slifer
Tyler Whiley
Cornerback/Wide Receiver (Chaparral High School)
Tyler Whiley is a local product and a top 100 recruit according to all recruiting services. His ranking is based on playing the position of cornerback, although he has been recruited as both a receiver and a defensive back. As of yesterday, neither ASU nor Whiley has definitively stated which position he will play. With the current abundance at wide receiver and the departure of cornerbacks Robert Nelson and Osahon Irabor, it would make sense for Whiley to play corner.
Whiley is touted as an outstanding athlete. At 6’0″, 187 pounds, he would be an ideal candidate to compete at corner right away with his ability to defend taller receivers. However, if Whiley has his heart set on playing receiver, surely the coaching staff will oblige. At the very least, it is likely that Whiley will play some special teams because of his ball skills and running ability.
This is a huge signing for coach Todd Graham. Whiley is a quality player and a legitimate 4 start recruit. Keeping him in-state and playing for the Sun Devils is just as significant as landing D.J. Foster two years ago. Whiley spurned USC and Oklahoma, among others to stay home and be a Sun Devil. His signing is a major step in Coach Graham’s march to keep local talent around to play for the maroon and gold.