Lyric Wheeler has been an impact player on the defensive side of the ball for Owasso.

The senior linebacker has registered 11 total tackles, a tackle for a loss, one quarterback sack, four quarterback pressures, a pair of pass breakups and a forced fumble through the Rams’ first two games.

Wheeler, a VYPE Top 100 selection along with teammates J’Kharri Thomas, Jaylen Jones, Blake Cherry and Ryker Haff, wants a return trip to the Class 6A-I state championship game in his final season and have an opportunity to compete at the next level. The Rams came up short against Bixby after outlasting Union in six overtimes in the semifinals, a moment Wheeler won’t soon forget.

“One of my goals this year is getting a scholarship to play at the next level, and as a team lead my team back to state and finish the job this time,” Wheeler said.

The Rams were 1-1 after the first two weeks, falling to Bixby, 42-16, in week zero and defeating Jenks, 34-28, the following week.

Wheeler feels he has a better understanding of the game from a mental standpoint this year. As a junior, he totaled 35 tackles, seven tackles for losses, three sacks, one interception, six quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

“Reading plays. Understanding what is going to happen if this person lines up here and if this person lines up somewhere else,” he said.

Wheeler looks back at one of his former coaches, Mr. Neeley, as his biggest influences.

“He’s probably where all my juice comes from. Anytime anyone would make a play he’s the first person to get hyped up,” he said.