ELF: Prague Lions sign former Cal Bears wideout Victor Wharton III

| American Football | 01/22/2023

The Prague Lions have found their second offensive import for the 2023 season in Cal Bears (NCAA, DI) standout receiver, Victor Wharton III.

Wharton most recently suited up in 2021 for the German Football League’s (GFL) Saarland Hurricanes. In one season he proved to be the Hurricanes’ most potent offensive weapon as he reeled in 69 receptions for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns over 11 games.

Standing at 5 ‘11 and 190 pounds, Wharton isn’t the most imposing figure, but his career speaks for itself. Born and schooled in Tennessee, Wharton came out of Independence High School an All-American and four-star recruit (ESPN) following an unbelievable senior year. In addition to this, Wharton was also an All-American in track and field.

Wharton initially decided to stay in-State for the next stage of his life and committed to the University of Tennessee (NCAA, DI). But in 2015 the young speedster decided to leave Tennessee and transferred to the University of California (Cal). 

Following a redshirt season (due to the NCAA rules at the time), Wharton exploded into west coast football and began his steady progression towards becoming one of the better receivers in the country. 

Wharton’s three-year career at Cal consisted of 35 games, 145 receptions for 1666 yards and seven touchdown catches. In addition to this, he also returned 34 punts for 221 yards as well as a 15-yard touchdown pass against Colorado as a junior. His stellar production even led to him being on the Biletnikoff Award watch list honoring the nation’s top receiver as both a junior and senior.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.