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Damon Sayles, RecruitingNation 9y

UA jersey tour: Toby Weathersby

ESPN 300 offensive tackle Toby Weathersby remembers first receiving his varsity jersey. He didn’t have a favorite number, and he didn’t request a number.

He just wanted a jersey. It happened to be No. 66.

“Once I got it, it was just a jersey to me. I never knew why I had it,” Weathersby said. “Then I found out the reason why. My coach said I reminded him of Tony.”

“Tony” is Tony Ugoh, a Westfield High School graduate who played at Arkansas. Ugoh wore No. 66 before getting drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, ultimately playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and New York Giants.

Foreshadowing? Perhaps. Ugoh achieved greatness on the offensive line, and Weathersby, a Texas commit, is expected to follow suit. Weathersby was named an Under Armour All-American and participated in his American Family Insurance-sponsored Under Armour All-America Game jersey ceremony Thursday afternoon.

“It made me feel amazing. All the hard work has paid off,” Weathersby said. “I get to compete against the top guys in the country. I’m ready to put on for my city.”

A Houston native, Weathersby is the nation’s 11th-ranked offensive tackle, and he is No. 143 in the latest ESPN 300. Weathersby has been committed to Texas since March.

At 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds, Weathersby is a streamlined offensive lineman. It’s his physical nature and strength that makes him a player to watch. Weathersby said the UA Game, set for Jan. 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the perfect setting to show what he’s capable of playing for Charlie Strong.

Don’t expect Weathersby to be a self-promoter. Off the field, he’s a quiet guy who understands that humility can get him far.

“Growing up, we didn’t have much,” Weathersby said. “Now that everything’s starting to happen, I’m just giving the glory to God. I just keep a smile on my face and keep pushing.

“A lot of people don’t know that I’m a real quiet dude. I speak when I’m spoken to. On the field, it’s different. I like to put people on their backs.”

Quick hits on Toby Weathersby

What’s your motivation? “My mom. It’s just me and her. We didn’t have much, and that pushed me to grind harder and get to where I need to be. I want to do it for her.”

Best UA Game player ever: “Jadeveon Clowney. That dude has a motor. I don’t know what happened to him when he was younger, but whatever he did, it shows on the field. He’s like a shark in the water. He’ll hit you, and he’ll make the play.”

Who do you want to line up against? “Whoever they put in front of me. I’ll use what I have to dominate.”

Thoughts of Charlie Strong: “He’s real down to earth. He doesn’t put on a show. He doesn’t pretend. He’s just him.”

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