Whitener is one of those guys where the versatility isn’t just something you throw in a bio — it shows up on tape in a real way. He plays with a natural feel for where the ball is going, whether he’s lined up on the edge or flexed out, and you can tell Desert Mountain trusts him to affect the game in multiple phases. Defensively, he brings a disruptive presence because he doesn’t just rush hard, he rushes with intent. He understands how to finish and how to close space, which is why the sack production (5.5 on the season) isn’t a surprise when you watch him. Offensively, the receiving production (over 280 yards) adds another layer because he’s not just a red-zone gimmick — he can stress a defense and force mismatches. The biggest takeaway is that he plays like a football player first, not a position label. He’s active, competitive, and always around the ball, which is why he feels like a guy who can take on an even bigger role as a senior.

Whitener is one of those guys where the versatility isn’t just something you throw in a bio — it shows up on tape in a real way. He plays with a natural feel for where the ball is going, whether he’s lined up on the edge or flexed out, and you can tell Desert Mountain trusts him to affect the game in multiple phases. Defensively, he brings a disruptive presence because he doesn’t just rush hard, he rushes with intent. He understands how to finish and how to close space, which is why the sack production (5.5 on the season) isn’t a surprise when you watch him. Offensively, the receiving production (over 280 yards) adds another layer because he’s not just a red-zone gimmick — he can stress a defense and force mismatches. The biggest takeaway is that he plays like a football player first, not a position label. He’s active, competitive, and always around the ball, which is why he feels like a guy who can take on an even bigger role as a senior.