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02/06/2013
Group includes seven All-Americans, nine four-star recruits and a 3.28 combined cumulative prep GPA.
BIO HIGHLIGHTS
Had over 330 tackles during his prep career ... named his high school district's defensive co-MVP as a junior and a first-team all-region choice as a senior.
PRONUNCIATION
WIT-en-er
STARS
247Composite (3), 247Sports (3), ESPN (3), PrepStar (3), Rivals (3), Scout (3)
NATIONAL RANKINGS
Overall: 247Composite (904); Inside Linebacker: 247Sports (44), 247Composite (50), ESPN (54), Rivals (88); Middle Linebacker: Scout (58)
REGIONAL RANKINGS
Overall: ESPN (249)
STATE OF TEXAS RANKINGS
Overall: 247Sports (115), 247Composite (129), ESPN (195)
GRADES/RATINGS
247Sports (86), 247Composite (0.8426), ESPN (73), Rivals (5.5)
POSTSEASON BOWL GAMES
2012: Offense-Defense All-American Bowl (7 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, forced fumble)
INIDIVDUAL HIGH SCHOOL HONORS
2012: All-Central Region (PrepStar), First-Team All-5A Region I District 7
2011: District 5-5A Defensive Co-MVP
2010: 5A Region I District 5 Newcomer of the Year, 5A Region I District 5-5A Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year ... All-Academic and Sophomore Defensive MVP
INIDIVDUAL HIGH SCHOOL STATS/NOTES (RANKINGS)
CAREER (2010-12): 334 tackles, 8.0 sacks ... 3 forced fumbles ... 2 fumble recoveries ... 1 interception
2012: 145 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception
2011: 195 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble
2010: 96 tackles
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CAREER (2010-12): 3-time Texas Boys State Conference 5A Division I participants (1-time third round, 1-time second round, 1-time first round) ... 2-time Co-5A Region I District 5 champions ... 26-10-1 Overall, 15-6 5A Region I Division 7
2012: Texas Boys State Conference 5A Division I second-round participants ... 7-5 Overall, 4-3 5A Region I District 7
2011: Texas Boys State Conference 5A Division I third-round participants ... Co-5A Region I District 5 champions ... 11-2 Overall, 6-1 5A Region I District 5
2010: Texas Boys State Conference 5A Division I first-round participants, Co-5A Region I District 5 champions ... 8-3-1 Overall, 5-2 5A Region I District 5
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
ESPN: Whitener is a hard-nosed inside run stopper who is physically ready to make the college jump. His blend of size, short-range speed and strength are at a premium level for an inside backer. Thickly built and powerful with explosive upper and lower-body strength. Instinctive with a nose for the ball ... Productive chasing down backs on long pursuit. Make plays sideline-to-sideline showing good range, direct angles and a high motor ... Most big plays are made when he is allowed to play aggressive and put on the move through stunts or blitzes. Disruptive with his ability to time his jump and turning speed to power. Overall, Whitener has the ability to contribute early in his career based off his size, strength and ability to close.
OTHER
• Participated at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in January of 2012
• Listed at No. 10 among linebackers by Rivals in the March of 2012 LSR rankings
