Arkansas offensive line commitment Dalton Wagner might just have a career in coaching after football.
He recently attended his brother Wyatt’s youth football practice and was asked by the coach to share his knowledge with the team.
“I love seeing how the game pulls people together,” Wagner said. “Especially at this level — no idea how to play, but the willingness to learn, listen and always eager to impress. Just a great reflection for me to know some father took his personal time to volunteer to show me the game. It's the least I can do to pay it forward.”
Wagner, 6-9, 312 pounds, of Richmond-Burton High School in Richmond, Ill., picked the Hogs over scholarship offers from Missouri, California, Virginia, Purdue, Louisville, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Indiana and others.
He’s savoring the moment knowing this time next year he won’t be able to watch his little brother play.
“This is the last time technically I will be able to share in the experience of Wyatt's football development since I will be grinding hard with the Hogs,” Wagner said. “That is my only regret with my older brother being at Southern Illinois, he has missed the last two years of watching me play and vice versa.”
The 6-year-old Wyatt stands 4-foot 5-inches and weighs 75 pounds and plays for the Stateline Comets, a feeder program for the high school.
“It's an honor and a blessing to be able to work with these kids,” Wagner said. “I love being able to pass on what I have accumulated over the many years I have played, and I can't wait to see them all play their first game.”
Wagner was impressed with the work ethic of the team.
“They are all friends, which is admirable especially at a young age,” Wagner said. “It was awesome to have that opportunity, and I will continue to coach them to the best of my abilities and pass on my knowledge to them and the coaches.”