A powerful third-year player who is expected to compete for time along the defensive line or at LEO, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position ... enters the spring No. 2 on the depth chart at DE ... posted the highest strength index among outside linebackers during spring 2007 testing ... his bench of 365 and squat of 550 were highest among the OLB group.
As a Redshirt Freshman (2007): Did not see game action ... spent most of the season as a reserve at LEO.
As a Freshman (2006): Redshirted.
At Oscar F. Smith High School: A four-year starter who played left tackle all four years, his last three doubling as defensive end ... had 75 tackles in his junior and senior seasons, setting the school record for tackles for loss (27) in the process ... posted 22 of the 27 TFLs his senior year ... also had five forced fumbles, three recoveries and an interception returned for a TD in 2005 ... recorded 24 sacks in his last two years ... first team all-state as a defensive end and offensive tackle his senior year ... honorable mention all-state as a junior ... all-district and all-region as a junior and senior ... the No. 17 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com ... the 22nd-ranked strongside defensive end in the country by Rivals.com ... team was 22-2 in his last two seasons, finishing fourth in the state in 2005 ... also ran track (sprints, relays and shot) ... also recruited by Virginia Tech, Florida, Miami, Ohio State and Tennessee ... coached by Rich Morgan.
Personal: Born March 10, 1988 ... parents are Alfanza and Ocia Whitmore.
