On Whaley: Third-year outside linebacker who established himself in 2000 with a strong redshirt freshman campaign … has quick feet and uses his hands well … has excellent field vision … has a 36 ˝ inch vertical jump and a 390-lb. bench (tied for best among outside linebackers) … returns as a viable candidate to start at the "Leo" position in 2001 … fast, physical player who is part of a deep and talented linebacker corps.

2000 (Redshirt Freshman): An 11-game starter at the outside linebacker/rush end spot … named third team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News … finished sixth on the squad in total tackles (68) … ranked third on the squad in tackles for loss (12 for 76 yards) and sacks (five for 47 yards) … also was third on the team in quarterback hurries (10) … among the top ACC rookies in sacks and tackles for loss … career-high 12 total tackles vs. Clemson … also had 11 stops vs. Florida State and 10 vs. Virginia … suffered a sprained ankle mid-season which slowed him some but did not keep him out of any games … averaged 11 tackles per game during a three-game midseason stretch … had two TFL's in six games, including a two-sack outing in his major college debut (vs. Temple) … accounted for five sacks in his first five games.

1999 (Freshman): Redshirt season.

Prep School: A 1999 graduate of Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Va. ... second on team with 68 tackles ... had five sacks, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries ... team finished 5-5.

High School: A 1998 graduate of Lexington High School in Lexington, S.C., where he was a three-year starter and an all-region pick as a junior and senior ... was the region's defensive player of the year as a senior and chosen a “Top 100” athlete in the state ... led his team with 97 tackles and 15 sacks as a senior.

Personal: Michael LeRoy Whaley was born December 13, 1980 ... son of Paulette Winder-Whaley ... majoring in criminal justice.

Defense	    G-GS  UT	AT    TT     TFL    Sacks  Int

Whaley Up Close
The word that best describes me is: Intense
Toughest player I faced in 2000 was: NC State tackle Jarvis Borum
My ambition after football is: To have a great-paying job in order to support my family
One word to describe Coach Friedgen: Respectable
The best thing about game day is: Waking up in the morning and the only thing on your mind is winning

Mike Whaley Class: RS Sophomore Hometown: Lexington, S.C. High School: Lexington Last College: Fork Union Millitary Academy Height / Weight: 6-1 / 242 Position: Linebacker Birthdate: 12/13/1980 Experience: 1V