For the second time in as many days, the Texas Longhorns 2019 class added a member, with the latest coming in the form of three-star Temple tight end Jared Wiley, who announced his commitment to Tom Herman’s program on Saturday.
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— J12 (@Jaredwiley23) May 26, 2018
Wiley also named Houston and Missouri has finalists on May 10, but even then, the tea leaves pointed entirely towards Texas, where he’s visited multiple times this offseason. With Wiley’s Crystal Ball projections proving true, he joins fast-rising Arizona product Brayden Liebrock as the Longhorns’ takes at the position this cycle. Furthermore, Wiley’s pledge builds upon what’s now an eight-man 2019 haul for the ‘Horns, which features talent from Texas, California, Georgia, and Arizona.
An intriguing prospect, Wiley doesn’t boast elite athleticism, but with solid size at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he has the height and the hands to prove valuable in the passing game, as he often does when split out wide for Temple. He’s a willing blocker along the line, as well. However, there is room for improvement to that end, and he can afford to add speed and explosiveness on the outside, as Wiley’s ESPN profile lists his 40-yard dash time at 5.03 with a 28.1-inch vertical leap.
Despite the underwhelming measurables, though, Wiley still produced in pads last season, hauling in 25 receptions for 323 yards and four touchdowns. It’s also worth bearing in mind that 2017 was his first season as a tight end after previously serving as a backup quarterback and place kicker, so as evident by his offer and now, his commitment, Texas is intrigued with his upside at tight end.
With Wiley in the fold, Texas’ class now ranks No. 15 nationally and No. 2 in the Big 12.
Wiley is ranked as the nation’s No. 44 tight end prospect and as the No. 158 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite. He plans to become an early enrollee and arrive on the Forty Acres next spring, which should aid in his development as he transitions to a full-time tight end role.