Syracuse's Kielan Whitner embracing new role at linebacker - SCACCHoops.com

Syracuse's Kielan Whitner embracing new role at linebacker

by Julian Whigham

Posted: 8/18/2017 7:00:36 AM


Position changes can have positive results.

They say some of the most significant opportunities are found at the time of greatest difficulty. With Antwan Cordy returning at safety for the Syracuse Orange, plus the unexpected rise of Evan Foster, and the Daivon Ellison / Rodney Williams duo sharing nearly 20 starts last season, Kielan Whitner certainly faced considerable challenges working his way up the depth chart. The safety position is surprisingly crowded, as TNIAAM looked at earlier this week.

Following spring practices, Whitner says the coaching staff saw a better chance at playing time at the linebacker position.

“Coach (Brian) Ward just came up to me after spring ball and told me he felt like I could thrive at the outside linebacker position. I’m a team guy, so whatever they want me to do, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Since arriving in 2015, Whitner has always had a box-safety skillset, leading all Orange true freshman with 33 total tackles. At his best, Whitner is in a position where he’s coming downhill, finding the right angle and making a play as a tackler. Last year, Whitner notched two nine-tackle games out of his three starts. The point is, the kid can get after the ball.

In this defense, the outside linebacker position is almost a hybrid LB/S role against most college offenses. Last season, Jonathan Thomas regularly played outside of the tackle box over the top of a slot receiver. Most teams in the ACC look to exploit that LB/WR matchup because linebackers struggle to match the speed and quickness. The benefit of having Whit in that position is that it nearly creates a nickel defense by replacing the linebacker with a natural defensive back.

Whitner is already enjoying his new position.

“Just starting off closer to the line of scrimmage I feel like is an advantage. In coverage situations it’s a lot easier when you’re closer to the guy. You can get hands on sooner,” he said.

This plays directly towards what the Georgia native does best in coverage — using his size (6’0”, 202 lbs.) to get aggressive with smaller receivers.

When asked about the biggest change he’s noticed from the defense in year two, the junior didn’t mince words:

“There’s an extra focus and extra attention to detail.” he said.

“We’re not trying to be losers anymore.”

 

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