2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Michael Wiley, RB Arizona
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Michael Wiley, Arizona RB. Wiley, a three-star-rated prospect and the 111th-ranked running back in the 2019 class, graduated from Strake Jesuit High School in Houston, Texas.
As a freshman, Wiley joined Arizona and served as a backup to future NFL backs J.J. Taylor and Gary Brightwell. He played in 11 games and rushed the ball 31 times for 106 yards, while also making 18 catches for 165 yards.
During the shortened 2020 season due to Covid, Wiley became the second running back behind Brightwell and had 31 rushes for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 8 receptions for 33 yards.
In the subsequent season, Michael Wiley secured the starting running back position and ran with it. He played in 11 games, amassed 302 yards on 91 rushes and scored 2 touchdowns. Moreover, he caught 33 passes for 297 yards and 4 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility and skill as a player.
During the 2022 season, Wiley had the best performance of his career, rushing 113 times for 791 yards and 8 touchdowns, and catching 36 passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns, totaling 1,140 yards. He was rewarded with All Pac-12 Honorable Mention.
As a receiver in the last season of 2023, Wiley made 28 receptions for 306 yards and 5 touchdowns, in addition to 70 carries for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Wiley has declared for the NFL draft and made a great impression at the Senior Bowl, where he was voted the top RB on the American team by his teammates. He also attended the NFL combine and achieved an impressive 7.03 RAS (relative Athletic Score). Michael Wiley is now heading to the NFL draft and is expected to be selected in the later rounds or be a UDFA.
Measurables
Height: 5’10” (36th-percentile)
Weight: 210 lbs (41st-percentile)
Age: 23.2
Class: Senior
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2019 | Arizona | Pac-12 | FR | RB | 12 | 31 | 106 | 3.4 | 0 | 18 | 165 | 9.2 | 0 | 49 | 271 | 5.5 | 0 |
| 2020 | Arizona | Pac-12 | SO | RB | 5 | 31 | 222 | 7.2 | 3 | 8 | 33 | 4.1 | 0 | 39 | 255 | 6.5 | 3 |
| 2021 | Arizona | Pac-12 | SO | RB | 11 | 91 | 302 | 3.3 | 2 | 33 | 297 | 9.0 | 4 | 124 | 599 | 4.8 | 6 |
| 2022 | Arizona | Pac-12 | JR | 11 | 113 | 771 | 6.8 | 8 | 36 | 349 | 9.7 | 3 | 149 | 1120 | 7.5 | 11 | |
| *2023 | Arizona | Pac-12 | SR | RB | 10 | 70 | 311 | 4.4 | 3 | 28 | 306 | 10.9 | 5 | 98 | 617 | 6.3 | 8 |
| Career | Arizona | 336 | 1712 | 5.1 | 16 | 123 | 1150 | 9.3 | 12 | 459 | 2862 | 6.2 | 28 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- He excels as a third-down back, making him an ideal candidate for the NFL.
- He is an effective blocker in pass protection.
- Physical rusher who punishes defenders to earn every yard.
- The player has both the size and speed required for the current NFL.
- Has a nose for the goalline, evident with 28 total touchdowns.
- When he gets to the open field, Wiley is smooth.
Weaknesses
- Lacks the vision to be an effective runner at the NFL level.
- Although performing well at the NFL combine, plays slower during games.
- An older prospect who lacks the upside of other backs in the class.
- Too indecisive as a runner and leaves yards on the table.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 7
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
Wiley’s calling card at the NFL will be a third-down back. One who I capable of running routes out of the backfield, and as a pass blocker plays bigger than his listed weight.
With Josh Jacobs currently a free agent, the Raiders have Zamir White as an early down grinder and need a capable receiving back. Wiley could step in and play that role in the Raiders offense, as he is an upgrade over White in the receiving game.
He might not be a strong rusher, but could still be useful in PPR leagues as a fill-in during bye weeks if Wiley is signed by an NFL team as a third-down back.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Michael Wiley below.
