Focused Teller grateful for Army chance
The values Wyatt Teller's family have instilled in him have guided Teller down the right path.
Advertisement
The U.S. Army All-American learned from his brother, Rhett, that, to be successful, he has to perform well in the classroom as well as on the field.
As a baseball player, Rhett was a 2004 junior college All-American at Frederick Community College in Maryland.
"My brother played baseball in college and I've been joking with him because I beat him to being named an All-American," the younger Teller laughed. "He is a major part of why I try so hard in the classroom.
"My brother didn't focus on his grades. He was 100 percent athletics and wasn't really in the classroom. I think if he got better grades and could've gone to a better school like Virginia or Virginia Tech and played big baseball he would've had a better chance. It's something I take seriously. I'm not just taking athletic courses or nutrition wellness, I'm actually taking core classes."
That hard work and determination has paid dividends in the classroom, with a 3.7 GPA, and on the field, being named one of the U.S. Army All-Americans.
"It's awesome to be named an All-American. I feel really special that I get to go against the best players in the nation on national television and showcase my talents," said the 6-foot-4, 264-pound Teller. "It's amazing. The players are great but even the tackles I'll be going against down there are nothing like the guys I'll be going against at Virginia Tech but it's good to get a jump start into how it will be in college. I feel like this game will help get me prepared for the competition in college."
Teller will continue his football career at Virginia Tech and he's not shy about his affinity for the Hokies.
"On every visit I took it was a clear sunny day and when I went down there to Virginia Tech it was a cold, gloomy day and I still fell in love with it. I have family that goes to school there and I grew up a fan. I could go on and on," he said. "During all the college recruitment process I had to keep a pretty good poker face so no one could figure out I wanted to go to Virginia Tech. Depending on who is driving, I will be only about three and a half hours from home.
"It was a huge choice, where I'm going to spend the next four or five years. I guess the coaches were the main reason I picked them. It's hard to just pick one," Teller said. "They are awesome, they have a proven record regardless of this year. They're still going to be there in the coming years. Coach (Bud) Foster is one of the best defensive minds in football and Coach (Frank) Beamer is an awesome guy and I want to be part of his career and legacy."
Playing for Virginia Tech and the honor of being selected as a U.S. Army All-American is driving Teller to continue his hard work.
"Hopefully, I can keep this up in college," Teller said.
Click Here to view this Link.
[rl]