Many of Florida’s top teams kicked off their 2024 seasons this weekend, but none were more impressive than Seffner (Fla.) Armwood, which defeated 2023 state runner-up Miami (Fla.) Norland High School, 51-20.
One player who stood out for the visiting Hawks was physically gifted linebacker Kellen Wiley Jr., who is a member of the senior class (2025) but is in just his second year of varsity football.
There has been no delay in the scholarship offer process, and he plans to continue taking official visits through the 2024 college football season.
“Louisville and North Carolina are scheduled,” Wiley told Rivals, “with Louisville scheduled for an official visit on Sept. 21 and North Carolina the following weekend.”
“I love coach Mark Ivey. He talks to me every day and makes sure I’m game ready and mentally ready. He has nothing but love for me. I was fortunate that the University of North Carolina offered me at Edge.”
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Since opening his senior season with double-digit tackles, Wiley has received new offers from in-state schools including Miami and USC, with Florida being among those he has contacted.
His late emergence compared to his contemporaries will likely see his recruiting ramp up in 2023 in the midst of his first senior season at AHS after playing at Hillsboro High School.
The recent speed and fluidity has been a welcome relief for Riley, who admits he wasn’t focused on the sport as an underclassman.
“I didn’t play football my first two years of high school,” he said, “but this is what I want to do.”
Wiley, who recently grew to 6-foot-4 and weighed 225 pounds, has been scouted by programs around the country as a pass rusher and off-ball linebacker. Wiley has gained experience in both areas over the past year or so, but for now, he prefers to play as a traditional linebacker from long range.
While he’s open to playing either position at the next level, Wiley acknowledged he had all but committed to a decision in the preseason, with the option to settle between Florida State, Maryland and Syracuse.
Nominees are currently being selected from a wide range of fields, and Wiley plans to announce the list of nominees in the near future.