The Benilde-St. Margaret's run to the title last year was highlighted by some big name upper-classmen. Running back Ricky Floyd was one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state, Eric Wilson was one of the most sought after…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe Benilde-St. Margaret's run to the title last year was highlighted by some big name upper-classmen. Running back Ricky Floyd was one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state, Eric Wilson was one of the most sought after linemen in Minnesota, and with a strong junior season linebacker, Ikenna Ujuagu is ranked 89th in our 2018 prospects list. Among the veterans, there was a sophomore who played a huge role on both sides of the ball and helped key the Red Knights late season surge – John Whitmore.
“It was a great year,” Whitmore said. “We had our backs against the wall numerous times, and we came together as a team. We had bond – like a brotherhood – that we used to our advantage. We were led by a good group of seniors and juniors.”
With Floyd in the backfield and Wilson in the trenches, running the ball was the team's obvious strength.
“We would just give the ball to Ricky and watch the magic happen,” Whitmore told northstarfootballnews. “We would pull our two guards, and he would just run.”
With all the flash of the explosive running game, Whitmore felt the 4A state champions' strength was defense.
“We had a solid group of guys; we worked as a unit,” said Whitmore whose defense allowed less than twenty points six times last year.” We prepared for the game well, watching film and on the practice field.”
Only a sophomore during the 2016 season, it was Whitmore's second year starting.
“It was fun playing both sides of the ball. I thought I did a good job of stepping up in times of need. I thought I had a strong season, but it wouldn't be possible without my teammates. I am just hoping I can build off last year and our team can have another good year, and I can have a strong year too.”
Whitmore expects to continue in his dual role of middle linebacker and guard during the 2017 season.
“I think I am smart as a linebacker. I read my keys well, am strong and use leverage to wrap up opponents.”
“I am undersized for a lineman,” the 6″2' 213-pound guard continued. “I make up for it by being quick off the ball, being aggressive and playing with heart and passion. When you have heart and passion on the offensive line, you are going to be successful.”
This summer Whitmore has been focused on improving his lateral quickness. He works out with the team and also works with a trainer. During the rest of the school year, he would get in a workout in the morning and then compete on the Red Knights' basketball team and track and field team.
“I am a three-sport letterman. (In basketball) I came off the bench. I didn't get too many minutes, so I would just come in and rebound, play defense and go after loose balls. In track, I throw the shot and the discus.”
Off his various fields of competition Whitmore enjoys fishing and a hobby that he has taken to the next level.
“I don't know how I got into it, but I probably have 15000 cards. Baseball cards are the main thing, but I have some football and basketball too.”
Because of his age, Whitmore's contact with college recruiters has to be limited, but he knows he has interest from a handful of DI programs.
“I have been getting recruited by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Iowa, South Dakota and some of the Ivy League schools. I can't talk to them directly unless I go to their camps, so I have been to a Minnesota camp, Northwestern, Iowa, and Wisconsin. I might go to South Dakota later in July.”
As Whitmore moves into his junior and then senior season if his play continues along the upward trend of his first two years some of those campus visits will be turning into scholarship offers.
