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.
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
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