Big offers coming for small town Oklahoma standout athlete
Exclusive interview with McKinley Whitfield
Respect can come in different ways for high school football players but at the end of the day what one does on the field matters most. While snubbed by state publications for All-State honors after a standout junior season, college coaches are cluing in on Spiro, Oklahoma’s McKinley Whitfield giving the pride of the Bulldogs the respect he deserves.
Whitfield, 6’4”, 194 pounds, was a two-way star for the Bulldogs in 2013 helping lead his team to an 8-3 record after a disappointing first round loss in the Class 3-A playoffs (Hilldale). Starting at both quarterback and safety, Whitfield threw for 1,200 yards while rushing for another 1,100 tossing 18 touchdown passes and rushed for another 13 scores.
On defense Whitfield’s productivity was perhaps even more dynamic coming up with over 70 stops and four interceptions.
In an exclusive interview with Whitfield the Spiro star talked about football, recruiting, and summer camps.
McKinley, you were a key contributor to the Bulldogs success last season, what makes you an effective leader on the football field?
“As a quarterback my leadership with the team started as freshman when coach named me starter for the varsity team. Now I’m the most experienced player on the team and I try to lead by example. My sophomore year I was named a starter on defense and I just try to duplicate the same qualities on the other side of the field.”
What are your strengths on defense?
“Crashing the receiver. I come down hill well to stop the run. I feel I do a lot of things well. Getting big hits, I’m good at getting the big hits.”
What schools are recruiting you right now?
“OU (Oklahoma) called last week, Oklahoma State sends letters, and Arkansas had me come to their spring game. My sophomore year I visited OU for basketball on an unofficial visit.”
McKinley continues, “I have offers from Arkansas State, Army, Houston, Memphis, Minnesota, Navy, Southern Miss, Tulsa, and a couple others.”
Any favorites?
“All schools have great campuses all have great coaching staffs. No list or favorites right now, enjoying the process for now.”
You played varsity basketball for the Bulldogs this year, how did you do?
“I averaged 15 points per game, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. We ended the season 25-3. We lost in the state tournament, first round.” Whitfield continues, “I was all-area in basketball but was passed up in football.”
Do you have any desire to play both football and basketball at the next level?
“No, I’m sticking with football all the way.”
Do you participate in any other varsity sports?
“Track. I run the 200 meters and all relay events.”
What is your best time in the 200 meters?
“22.02, and I anchor all of the relays.”
What does your track speed translate into as a 40-yard dash time?
“Somewhere between 4.57 and 4.6.”
What feedback have you received from the different college coaches that have contacted you?
“They are looking at me to play safety or outside linebacker.”
Are you okay with playing just defense in college?
“Yes, I’m excited. I have no problem playing defense in college.”
Are you attending any college camps this summer?
“OSU on the 14th and then Arkansas on the 16th (June). More than likely I’ll attend the OU camp.”
When the time comes for you to pick a school what are some of the determining factors that will influence your decision?
“My mom is big on academics. I’ll look for a coaching staff that can push me to get better everyday.”
You lost your first game of the season last year then ripped off seven straight wins, how do the Bulldogs look for 2014?
“We have a really athletic team. Every year we are fast. I believe our team speed can get us pretty far.”
What are your personal goals for 2014?
“I want to have a winning record and a good senior season. I just want to play my hardest and help my team win every game.”
What one team are looking forward to playing this year?
“Stigler, they beat us three years in a row before we beat them this year (17-14). I had something like 200 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in the game. I had a highlight reel game against them. Can’t wait to play them again this year.”
What has been the biggest highlight moment of your high school career?
“My freshman year we were playing a big team, one of the best in state. I had a 60-yard run out of nowhere. We lost the game but it showed me I can play at this level.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“Having fun out on the field. Honestly, I love everything about it.”
Spiro, Oklahoma is a small town of roughly 2,200 people on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. Whitfield is providing a lesson for all other high school football players to learn, no matter how small the town if you play hard big opportunities can come from small beginnings.