University of Richmond Athletics
Tristan Wheeler Named to Athlon Sports FCS Preseason All-America Team
06/01/2023 | Football
Wheeler returns to lead the Spiders defense in 2023 after logging a team-high 110 tackles (54 solo, 56 asst.) including 11 for loss (-29). His 110 tackles were the second-most in the Colonial Athletic Association and marked his third-consecutive season of 100 or more.
The Bethlehem, Pa. native recorded two sacks (-9), two interceptions, three pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries in 2022 as he lead Richmond to the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2016. Last season, the team captain took home the prestigious Chuck Boone Leadership Award and was named a Phil Steele and Stats Perform All-American.
Wheeler and the rest of the Spiders will get the season underway Saturday, Sept. 9 when Morgan State visits Robins Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
FCS Preseason All-America Team
Offense
QB – Michael Hiers (6-1/211/Sr.) Samford
RB – Isaiah Davis (6-1/220/Sr.) South Dakota State
RB – Jaden Shirden (5-9/185/Jr.) Monmouth
AP – Dylan Laube (5-10/204/Sr.) New Hampshire
WR – Devron Harper (5-9/170/Jr.) Mercer
WR – Hayden Hatten (6-2/205/Jr.) Idaho
TE – Marshel Martin (6-2/215/Sr.) Sacramento State
C – Zack Gieg (6-1/287/Sr.) Southeast Missouri
OL – Garret Greenfield (6-6/305/Sr.) South Dakota State
OL – Mason McCormick (6-4/305/Sr.) South Dakota State
OL – Luke Newman (6-5/301/Sr.) Holy Cross
Defense
DL – Ty French (6-3/230/Sr.) Gardner-Webb
DL – Josiah Silver (6-2/236/Jr.) New Hampshire
DL – David Walker (6-3/235/Jr.) Central Arkansas
LB – Adam Bock (6-1/215/Sr.) South Dakota State
LB – Jacob Dobbs (6-0/237/Sr.) Holy Cross
LB – John Pius (6-2/230/Sr.) William & Mary
LB – Tristan Wheeler (6-2/228/Sr.) Richmond
DB – Maxwell Anderson (5-11/170/Sr.) Weber State
DB – Khalil Baker (6-0/185/Sr.) North Carolina Central
DB – Lawrence Johnson (6-0/196/Sr.) Southeast Missouri
DB – TaMuarion Wilson (6-2/205/Jr.) Central Arkansas
Special Teams
K – Ethan Gettman (6-4/190/Sr.) Bryant
P – Trey Wilhoit (5-10/175/Jr.) Florida A&M
KR – Abraham Williams (6-1/175/Jr.) Weber State
PR – Junior Bergen (5-11/184/Jr.) Montana
