Welcome to “Sentell’s Intel,” where Jeff Sentell not only provides you with the latest recruiting information but also takes you into the homes of these exceptional students and explores what makes them special to the Georgia program.
In this edition of Sentell’s Intel, we bring you the latest updates on 4-star wide receiver CJ Wiley. According to the 247Sports Composite, Wiley is ranked as the nation’s 25th best wide receiver and the 210th overall prospect for the class of 2025. The On3 Industry Ranking places him as the 32nd best wide receiver and ranks him at 244th overall.
In today’s recruiting landscape filled with rankings, ratings, tweets, and Instagram stories, the opinion of a state championship football coach still holds significant weight in 2024.
When asked about rising senior receiver CJ Wiley, Milton’s coach Ben Reaves had numerous reasons to highlight what sets Wiley apart. One obvious aspect is Wiley’s imposing physical presence, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 196 pounds.
Reaves could also emphasize Wiley’s impressive production on the field. Last season, Wiley recorded exceptional numbers, tallying 68 receptions for 1,473 yards and an impressive 14 touchdowns for the Class 7A state champion Eagles. Notably, Wiley led all 7A GHSA receivers in yards.
Another notable factor is Wiley’s athletic pedigree. His father, Chuck, was a former SEC player for LSU and had stints with several NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons. He later returned to LSU to pursue a Master’s degree. Wiley’s mother was also a track athlete during her college years at LSU.
Reaves, however, chose to share a personal story that showcases Wiley’s dedication and work ethic. He recounted a moment that solidified his belief in Wiley’s potential. Wiley had requested the access code to the shed where the team kept the JUGS machine, a device used for practicing catching skills. Reaves granted him the code, and Wiley began showing up regularly on Sundays to work on his craft. What made it even more special was the presence of Wiley’s parents. While his father fed balls into the JUGS machine, his mother provided contact by using a pad, pushing Wiley to catch with physicality. Both parents were fully invested in supporting Wiley’s development.
This story highlights Wiley’s commitment and the unwavering support he receives from his family, painting a picture of a dedicated athlete with a bright future ahead.
The first of those Sundays coincided with Wiley’s transfer to Milton, where he aimed to prove himself after moving from Alpharetta.
Without fail, Wiley showed up every Sunday, even after scoring three touchdowns in a game and experiencing significant success. Despite the change in weather, with the cold creeping in, Wiley remained dedicated to his craft, consistently working on the JUGS machine.
Reaves noted that Wiley’s commitment had a contagious effect. By the end of the season, other receivers started following his lead, joining him on Sundays to put in the extra work. What stood out was that Wiley’s work ethic wasn’t tied to his level of success on the field. Whether he had zero touches or scored three touchdowns in a game, he continued to show up and put in the work. This unwavering dedication convinced Reaves to fully invest in Wiley. Reaves believed that when an athlete consistently shows up and works hard regardless of the highs and lows, it demonstrates their true potential.
Considering everything, Wiley left a lasting impression on Reaves as more than just a football player. Reaves described him as the “total package” both on and off the field. He commended Wiley’s character, academic achievements, and family values. According to Reaves, Wiley embodies the qualities of a 5-star individual in every aspect of his life.
To illustrate Wiley’s character further, one can look at his actions on Martin Luther King Day earlier this year.
Wiley’s motivation to engage in community service and make a positive impact off the field stems from his desire to be a good person. He values the opportunity to contribute to his local community and sees it as a way to fulfill his personal values.
In addition to his community involvement, two other factors make Wiley an even more compelling prospect for the Georgia football program. Firstly, he has the privilege of being mentored by Terrence Edwards, a former standout receiver at UGA. Edwards’s guidance and expertise have likely played a significant role in Wiley’s development as a receiver.
Furthermore, Wiley’s versatility extends beyond the football field. He has been excelling in track and field, recently achieving a personal record of 11.0 seconds in the 100-meter sprint. As the weather warms up in April and May, it is expected that his times will continue to improve. This athleticism and speed make him suitable for various positions on the football field. Wiley can line up as an “X” receiver but also has the skills to excel in the slot or in the middle of the field, running shorter routes with precision.
While Wiley enjoys running a variety of routes, his junior tape primarily highlights his ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays by catching deep balls for touchdowns.
