Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to Michigan: Wolverines Land 4-Star TE Prospect

College football fans will recognize the name of Tyrone Wheatley Jr., the son of the former Michigan star by the same name. And fans of Michigan will be thrilled to see that Wheatley Jr. has decided to join the Wolverines.  

Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.com passed along news of the decision.

The 6'6" and 260-pound Wheatley is considered a 4-star tight end by 247Sports. He's ranked as the 312th-ranked prospect in 247Sports' Composite Rankings, the No. 12 tight end and the top prospect from the state of New York.

Wheatley is also a highly regarded defensive end. Along with his 16 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns during the 2013 season, he also added 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

You can see him in action below.

Image credit: 247Sports

But it appears as though he'll be a tight end at the next level. Alex Gleitman of 247Sports broke down one of his practices during preparation for January's Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl:

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[Wheatley] is one of the most physically imposing players on the East team, but it is his athleticism and soft hands at that size that make him the outstanding prospect that he is.

Wheatley had an outstanding today in general skeleton drills, as well as the scrimmaging and goal line sessions, flashing enough speed to get free from defenders, as well as using his strength and body size to get positioning in shorter yardage situations.

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Wheatley's father, Tyrone Wheatley, has a substantial background in football himself. He was a standout running back for Michigan in the early '90s and spent 10 years in the NFL with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders, rushing for 4,962 and 40 touchdowns. He's also currently the running back's coach at Michigan, joining Jim Harbaugh's staff this winter.

In other words, if Wheatley Jr. ever needs any advice, he'll certainly know where to turn. He may play a different position than his father, but the experience of being a student-athlete at a major university is one his father can relate to.

And given his pedigree, it would hardly be surprising if Wheatley Jr. ended up being an excellent player for Michigan.