Connor Wheeler (13) of the Powell Panthers on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in the season opener in Clinton, Tenn. (Photo by Tanner Walker).
BY MIKE BLACKERBY
Connor Wheeler ran in rarified air during his sophomore season for the Powell High School Panthers football team.
Wheeler put up prolific numbers at running back as he helped the Panthers go 11-3 with a state Class 5A semifinal appearance.
By season’s end, the 2022 5Star Preps Offensive Underclassman of the Year rubbed elbows with some elite company in the Powell record books, including Panthers legend Dy’Shawn Mobley.
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Wheeler’s 1,693 yards rushing ranked third in Panthers history.
Wheeler’s 23 touchdowns earned him the No. 2 spot in single-season scores behind Mobley.
A model of consistency, Wheeler ran for more than 100 yards in his first 13 games and averaged an attention-grabbing 8.9 yards a pop.
He combined durability, toughness and break-away speed in a compact 5-foot-8, 170-pound package.
“Considering all of the great running backs this school has had, for him to post those kind of numbers was unreal,” said Panthers coach Matt Lowe.
Wheeler was thrust into the focus even more on offense when Powell quarterback Jordyn Potts was injured in the first quarter of the season opener against Anderson County and didn’t return until Week 3.
“Early on a lot was going on with Jordyn going out and Connor testing himself,” said Lowe.
“(Wheeler) got better and better as the year went on. As he got better and the offensive line got better, our team certainly found its identity.”
Pass-happy Powell suddenly had a legitimate ground attack.
Wheeler’s trademark was tough running between the tackles that he often turned into long touchdowns thanks to his deceptive 4.55 speed.
“Part of the reason I can run between the tackles is the way I hold the ball,” Wheeler explained.
“I keep it tucked with two arms until I break free.”
Wheeler said there’s a reason he seems to get stronger as the game wears on.
“It just gives me confidence when I see myself doing good things with the ball.”
Lowe said Wheeler has an uncanny blend of power and speed for a runner his size.
“His skill set is outstanding,” said Lowe.
“He does come in a small package, but (Wheeler) is an extremely strong young man. So many of his plays are between the tackles. He hits up in there A, B, C and then bursts through there.”
Wheeler is quick to give credit to a Powell offensive line that likewise showed significant improvement as the 2022 season wore on.
“I feel like I have a really good relationship with them (members of the offensive line),” said Wheeler.
“After I broke 1,000 yards last season I took them all out to eat at Shoney’s. I love those guys.”
With four starters returning on the offensive line in 2023, Wheeler said Powell’s running game can be even more effective next season.
But his team goals trump any individual objectives.
“I think we can be just as good as we were last season if everybody is locked in,” he said.
“I’d love to beat the (Powell) rushing and TD records, but what I really want is a ring.”
5Star Preps Offensive Underclassman of the Year
Past Recipients
2018 — Tommy Winton (Catholic)
2019 — Adarius Redmond (Powell)
2020 — DeSean Bishop (Karns)
2021 — Jayden Neal (Catholic)