Stefon Wheeler: A Coach in the Making
11/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 21, 2005
By Ashley Johnson, MSU Sports Information
Knowing football is a skill every Big Ten player can say they have, but knowing football well enough to teach it isn't something every player can do. Michigan State senior Stefon Wheeler is one of the rare few who has the ability to share his knowledge of the game - and with three years experience as an integral part of the offensive line, the 6-foot-5, 330 pound tackle has a lot to teach.
Wheeler is currently starting at left tackle for an offense that has been ranked as high as third in the nation this year. He has started in 31 games in his career at MSU and was named preseason first-team All-Big Ten. So while his leadership and execution helps the offense score in game situations, his ability to help coach on the sideline improves the depth of the offense.
"Stefon has a lot of tricks in his back pocket. He's a veteran and he knows a lot of little things that a younger player doesn't know, and he shares that with them," said offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. "Whenever he's not involved I see him between plays discussing almost as though he's a coach."
Living with reserve lineman Tom Kaczmarek awards Wheeler plenty of opportunities to slip into the role of a coach, and be available to answer questions. By watching tape and pointing out different aspects of the game, he is able to spread the knowledge he has gained to a younger player with great potential. As he shares that knowledge he is also able to test his coaching ability in his pursuit to become a collegiate coach.
"He's very suitable for coaching," said Stoutland. "He has that demeanor to him, and he has the intelligence to be able to relate an idea or a concept to another player, which is really fantastic."
Furthermore, when Wheeler is in a game, Kaczmarek is on the sidelines watching for anything Wheeler may not be able to see from his position. But the closeness the two have formed doesn't just come from living together. The entire offensive line works in much the same way.
"We all go through everything together, problems, football, so it's like a family atmosphere, and as teammates we talk to each other about different issues and it helps us out," said Wheeler.
That sense of belonging is what drew in Wheeler from the moment he first stepped on campus, and is what continues to drive his performance today. Whether he's on the sideline or hanging out with teammates, Wheeler is always surrounded by the family he has gathered during his time at MSU. Although East Lansing is a lot slower than his hometown in Passaic, New Jersey, Wheeler adjusted quickly and made Michigan State his home.
At the same time, the bond these teammates have formed off the field serves as an advantage on the field as well, allowing them to communicate nonverbally.
"With (Kyle) Cook, we can look at each other, and know what we're going to do," said Wheeler. "Or I can see something, and know what he's going to do, and vice versa."
This can help ease the pressure that comes with being on the offensive line and turn it into success.
"We're the core of the team, whether people want to give us credit or not. When we're doing good it's us and when we're doing bad it's us, or at least people are going to say it is," said Wheeler. "So we've just got to go out there and do our thing."
Wheeler proved how valuable his presence was to the offense after missing time during the middle of the season. He suffered a rib injury in the second quarter at Ohio State, then sprained an ankle in the Indiana game. His span of 14 consecutive starts was snapped as he missed the entire Purdue game on Nov. 5. Without their top pass blocker in the game, the Spartans have had to adjust their offensive game plan. Now, with Wheeler back in the lineup for the rest of the season, the Spartans are looking to finish strong and end the season on a positive note.
Finishing well will also improve Wheeler's chances of playing in the NFL. He believes good things will happen as long as he continues to work hard, and the NFL will also give Wheeler more experience in his pursuit of becoming a coach.
"I want to be a coach more than anything. I love football, it's what I know best, and I want to be good enough to coach," said Wheeler.
Wheeler may be playing in his last home game for the Green and White on Nov. 19, but he appears to be a fixture in football for many years to come - whether it's on the field playing in the NFL, or on the sidelines fulfilling his dream as a coach.
