Michael Wiley (running back)

Michael Wiley (born November 10, 2000) is an American professional football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.

Michael Wiley
refer to caption
Wiley with the Washington Commanders in 2024
No. 34 – Washington Commanders
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (2000-11-10) November 10, 2000 (age 24)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:Strake Jesuit (Houston)
College:Arizona (2019–2023)
Undrafted:2024
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Wiley was born on November 10, 2000, in Houston, Texas.[1] He attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Coming out of high school, Wiley was rated as a three-star recruit where he garnered interest from schools such as Arizona, Iowa State, Utah, and Toledo.[2] Wiley decided to commit to play college football for the Arizona Wildcats.[3][4]

College career

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In week three of the 2020 season, Wiley had a breakout game rushing seven times for 123 yards.[5] In Wiley's first three seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2021 he rushed 153 times for 630 yards and five touchdowns, while also notching 59 receptions for 495 yards and four touchdowns.[6] In the 2022 regular-season finale, Wiley rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns, as he helped Arizona beat rival Arizona State.[7] For his performance against Arizona State, Wiley was named the game's MVP.[8] During the 2022 season, Wiley rushed for 771 yards and eight touchdowns, while also bringing in 36 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns.[9] For his performance on the 2022 season, Wiley was named an all Pac-12 honorable mention.[10] Wiley entered the 2023 season as a team Captain for the Wildcats.[11] During the 2023 season, Wiley rushed for 311 yards and three touchdowns, while also hauling in 28 receptions for 306 yards and five touchdowns.[12] Wiley finished his career at Arizona rushing for 1,712 yards and 16 touchdowns with 1,150 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.[13]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 10+12 in
(1.79 m)
210 lb
(95 kg)
30 in
(0.76 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
4.51 s 1.54 s 2.61 s 4.43 s 7.14 s 35.5 in
(0.90 m)
10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[14][15]

Wiley signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2024.[16] He was also selected by the DC Defenders in the sixth round of the 2024 UFL draft on July 17.[17] Wiley was waived by the team on August 27, 2024, and joined their practice squad the following day.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Brugler, Dane. "The Beast: 2024 NFL Draft Guide" (PDF). The Athletic. pp. 45–46. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  2. ^ Krueger, Nick (May 11, 2018). "Arizona emerges as leader for RB Michael Wiley". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Combs, Brandon; Encinas, Gabe (December 19, 2018). "Early Signing Period: 3-star RB Michael Wiley signs with Arizona". Arizona Desert Swarm. SB Nation. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  4. ^ Spears, Justin (December 15, 2018). "Wildcats' recruits include small, speedy running back, help on offensive and defensive lines". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  5. ^ Lev, Michael (December 9, 2020). "Arizona Wildcats RB Michael Wiley isn't satisfied with breakout game that could've been better". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "Michael Wiley". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  7. ^ Lev, Michael (November 26, 2022). "'This one feels good': Michael Wiley, Jacob Manu help Arizona reclaim the Territorial Cup". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  8. ^ Spears, Justin (August 9, 2023). "Arizona Wildcats RB Michael Wiley named to Doak Walker Award watch list". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  9. ^ Lev, Michael. "RB Michael Wiley, Wildcats' leading TD scorer, will return to Arizona in 2023". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  10. ^ Spears, Justin. "Michael Wiley headlines 'a palette of unique' RBs in final go-round at Arizona". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  11. ^ "Arizona football announces team captains for 2023 season". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  12. ^ "Michael Wiley 2023 Game Logs". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  13. ^ Spears, Justin. "Former Arizona running back Michael Wiley to play in Senior Bowl". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  14. ^ "Michael Wiley Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  15. ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Michael Wiley College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  16. ^ "Commanders agree to terms with 11 college free agents". Commanders.com. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  17. ^ "2024 UFL College Draft: Showboats select Kansas QB Jason Bean with No. 1 pick". FoxSports.com. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  18. ^ "Commanders sign 12 players to 2024 practice squad". Commanders.com. August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
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