Steele Wasel building a strong relationship with Joe Moorhead

On3 imageby:Gerry Hamilton02/16/22

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Arlington, Texas – Junior Steele Wasel was one of the most impressive quarterbacks Saturday at the Underclassman Report 5STEP QB Academy.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound signal caller burst onto the radar following a standout sophomore season. Wasel totaled over 3,300 yards and 33 touchdowns leading Choctaw (9-4) to the 6A-II State Championship game. 

Wasel notched offers from Virginia Tech and Tulsa in late April of 2021 with Rice following in June. An offer from Akron the first week in January carries special meaning. 

“My recruiting process has been pretty good,” Wasel told On3. “It’s every kids dream. Its college football. I’m about to go a trip to Akron, and I’m super excited about that. I’m going up there March 4.”

Wasel knows he’s coveted by Joe Moorhead 

Among the programs that have shown interest, include Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Louisville and Oregon. The Ducks first had Wasel on campus during the summer with a first interaction with then offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead

“My first real interaction was at a Saturday Night Lights Camp at Oregon,” Wasel told On3. “We went over their base principles in their offense. I really liked the way his mind works, his process and thought we clicked well. I guess you could say I thought we had a lot of the same ideas in terms of play calling.”

Wasel made an unofficial visit to Oregon for the Ducks final regular season game. It was the first week of December when the trajectory of Wasel’s recruitment shifted. Joe Moorhead was named the Akron Zips head coach December 4, and a month later Wasel was extended an offer. 

“They offered shortly after Coach Joe Moorhead went over there. He let me know real soon after they offered me that I’m his guy. I already had a good connection with Coach Moorhead. Recently, I also started to build a good connection with Coach (Billy) Fessler. I’m really looking forward to getting there.”

Wasel has also been on campus at Arkansas, attending junior day in January. 

“I also just went to a junior day at Arkansas with my buddy Luke. It was nice to see and SEC schools, and it was snowing when we were there.”

Wasel continues to have contact with his first trio of offers. 

“I’ve have a little bit of contact with Tulsa, and Virginia Tech. I still stay in touch with Rice for sure. I love Coach (Marques) Tuiasosopo at Rice.” 

The Yellowjackets followed with an 8-3 playoff season in 2021. He earned Big All-City Second Team following the season. Both of Wasel’s parents attended the University of Oklahoma.