Dawson Whitinger
Dawson Whitinger
About Dawson
Expert Analysis
Rob Howe | Prep Redzone Scout
Strength is not a problem for Whitinger. On top of that, he’s a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker that reports running the 100 meters in a laser time of 10.92 seconds. His frame has plenty of room to fill out without the loss of speed or agility. The South Dakota commitment possesses the talents to impact games at a high level from the second level of the Hawk defense. Whitinger covers a lot of ground sideline to sideline. He can run with receivers and tight ends, and comes downhill in a hurry against the run. Ankeny’s roster is filled with difference-makers on defense, and Whitinger is one high up on the opponent’s scouting report.
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Read EvaluationEliot Clough | Prep Redzone Scout
Yet another Iowa high school prospect headed to South Dakota,
Dawson Whitinger
Dawson
Whitinger
6'2" | 220 lbs | LB
Ankeny | 2027
State
IA
committed to the Coyotes in the middle of June after receiving offers from programs like Toldedo, UAB, Southern Illinois, Lindenwood, Colgate and others.
A prospect that loves to stick his face in the middle of all the bodies, simply looking for the tackle, it’s easy to see why Whitinger garnered so much attention on the recruiting trail. With the tenacity and speed of a wild animal tracking down its prey, Whitinger is the type of linebacker that each of the aforementioned programs would greatly benefit from having on its roster. Heading to South Dakota — a power in FCS football — Whitinger will have an opportunity to fill out his frame and grow his understanding of the game.
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Read EvaluationEliot Clough | Prep Redzone Scout
With 88 tackles last season for Ankeny,
Dawson Whitinger
Dawson
Whitinger
6'2" | 220 lbs | LB
Ankeny | 2027
State
IA
is the top returning tackler in 5A. The youngest of the bunch as just a junior returning for his third year with the Hawks, Whitinger was everywhere for the Ankeny defense in 2024.
Finishing with 11.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and 2.5 sacks in addition to a pick, Whitinger did a little bit of everything for the Hawks last season. Ankeny loses their second and third-ranked tacklers from last season in Ben Taylor and Samuel Sandvig, so the junior will be called upon to step up even more this fall.
A stalwart in the middle of the defense for the Hawks, Whitinger will be pivotal in Ankeny’s attempt to get back to the Dome this season after a one-year hiatus.
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Read EvaluationRob Howe | Prep Redzone Scout
Ankeny regularly develops quality defenders. Whitinger proved this season that he’s another product of the pipeline with 88.0 tackles (11.5 TFL), 2.5 sacks and an interception. It earned him all-state recognition as a sophomore in the state’s largest class. Whitinger exhibits good linebacker traits when watching his 10th-grade highlight video. He diagnoses plays well, flows to the ball and is a fundamentally-sound tackler. Whitinger can run, which help him in coverage. He separates well from blocks already and will improve even more with added strength to come.
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