The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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2015 RECRUITING ISSUE the city of Ann Arbor. He spent part of his childhood in the shadow of The Big House, and those fond mem- ories of the program and the city it- self never left him and ultimately factored in to his decision to become a Wolverine. "I know Michigan football history in and out," he explained. "I know a lot of the coaches and the players. I know the school like the back of my hand. I lived on North Campus for a while when I was young. I went to elementary and middle school right in Ann Arbor. I definitely know the school. "I didn't grow up knowing that I was going to go to Michigan for college, but I do know a lot about it. Michigan has always been part of the picture." Robbins echoed the sentiment and explained that he always felt that Ann Arbor had a special place in T.J.'s heart. He knew that other schools were seriously involved in his recruitment, but Michigan always seemed to make the most sense. "Every time I've ever talked to T.J. he always spoke very fondly of Ann Arbor and how much he enjoyed his time there," Robbins recalled. "He really likes a lot of the people there. I think Michigan was right in the top five and in the mix for him, but when everything started happen- ing over the past couple of months, you really could see a new excite- ment in him about the possibility of playing at Michigan. "He finally felt good about being able to go to a place that some part of him always wanted to go to. Michi- gan now being under really good circumstances just made it perfect for him." With the national letter of intent signed, Wheatley Jr. is officially con- sidered a Wolverine, meaning he will play for a coaching staff that employs his father. Father-son relationships can have ups and downs, especially when competition and athletics are involved. However, Robbins is sure the positives will far outweigh the negatives. "I think it'll be good," Robbins said. "I've watched them and their relationship and how close the two of them are and how close the en- tire Wheatley family is in general. Grandma and all of the siblings and everyone, it's a tight-knit group. I don't think it will be negative in any way. "Tyrone is firm but fair. He's go- ing to make sure, as well as all of the coaches will, that T.J. is doing the right thing. "Like T.J. said to me, 'Who is better to look out for me than my dad?' All of these other programs are recruit- ing kids and selling the family thing, talking about how they will take care of them, but T.J. has the opportunity to actually play for his family and his dad. It's going to be a great thing. "I think the whole situation is go- ing to be great because the family is great. Tyrone will let T.J. be his own man, but will be there to help if he needs it. That's a great situation for everyone involved." — Brandon Brown