Faith and Football: A Conversation with Kielan Whitner

Kielan Whiter (@Twitty_Whitty25) via Twitter

NFL

Kielan Whitner: Safety, Linebacker, NFL Prospect, Believer

With the 2019 NFL Draft less than a month away, emotions and tensions are high for NFL prospects. One prospect in particular, though, isn’t feeling the pressure.

TSJ sat down with Syracuse’s Kielan Whitner to discuss his time at the collegiate level and his hopes for the future.

While talking about playing under the bright Saturday night lights, the Syracuse senior talked about some of the advantages he feels he carries into the big league.

Lauren Phillips: “You stand at 6’0″ and 215lbs. Linebackers around the league have begun to shrink down to add some additional help in pass coverage. Do you believe your size and speed give you any unique advantages or disadvantages? If so, how?”

Kielan Whitner: “I don’t see any disadvantage at my size. I’m able to fly around to the ball and make plays sideline to sideline. With the additional weight, I put on before the draft I’ll be able to knock guys back at the point of contact. The best part about my size is that I can play inside the box and help stop the run, but I’ll also be able to go out and shut down opposing teams slot receivers in the pass(ing) game.”

In addition to his size, Whitner also pointed to his full collegiate term as an edge he has. “I feel it’s a major advantage playing four years of college football. I was able to take another year to mature and understand the game of football under a great coaching staff.”

Whitner continued: “Year to year my game has improved exponentially and I’m glad to have all the knowledge and game experience that I do to take to the next level.”

Kielan’s stats over his tenure at Syracuse further prove just how vital his senior season was. In his first three seasons, Whitner recorded 76 total tackles; his senior season saw 100 total tackles, making him 5th in the ACC.

His tackle count, though, wasn’t the only thing that evolved during his time as an Orangemen. From his freshman to his senior season, Whitner moved around the playbook. At first, he served in the safety role for Syracuse before transitioning from a defensive back to a linebacker.

LP: “In 2018 alone you were credited for 100 total tackles, 60 solo and 40 assisted. What changed for you? Were you able to find another gear? Did any strategic shift help put you in a position to make plays?”

KW: “I think the main change for me was just getting an opportunity. I split time the past three years with other players at my position… It was awesome to be able to get a feel for what the opposing offense was doing, and just be in the flow of the game without being taken out. My play has definitely grown since my freshman year, and even this year from game one to our bowl game I learned a lot and was able to take my game to the next level.”

Whitner intercepted two throws this season for a total of 20 yards.

When asked which quarterbacks he was most eager to pick off, his answer was no surprise: Brady or Rodgers.

LP: “Past and current, who are the biggest football influences in your life?”

KW: “I would say my two biggest influences were my father and Steve Atwater. My dad played professional baseball and taught me what level of work and commitment is required to get to the pros. Steve Atwater was one of my youth football coaches and he taught me the way the game of football should be played. He taught me to play a hard-nosed aggressive style.”

We took a break from football and transitioned to something even closer to Whitner’s heart, his faith.

LP: “You’ve mentioned in the past how big of an influence religion is in your life. Can you tell me what specifically you take from your religious practices and faith, that you bring onto the football field?”

KW: “Religion is the foundation of my life. My identity is based on Christ and I go out every day trying to lead a life he’d be proud of. With that mindset it makes me give my all at football every day so I’m honoring the gifts God gave me.”

LP: “Can you see yourself being a football player and not Catholic? In other words, can you see yourself being a football player without your faith?”

KW: “No, I use my faith to guide all my daily actions and decisions so I can’t see that for myself.”

He wouldn’t tell you this himself, but his actions haven’t gone unnoticed. Whitner has been the recipient or honoree of the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Member of the Syracuse Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Six-time member of the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, and countless more.

LP: “What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?”

KW: “Resiliency. I went through a lot of ups and downs during my time at Syracuse. I went from being a starter and then injury knocking me down the depth chart. We had back to back losing seasons. All those hard times taught me to never quit fighting and striving toward my goals and good things will happen.”

LP: “Besides Syracuse, who do you think is taking the ACC title next season?”

KW: “Clemson always has a dominant program and has built a winning tradition, but I think the orange will take it home.”

LP: “If you can’t wear #25 on your future team, is there a backup number you have in mind?”

KW: “25 is a family number. My dad wore 25 throughout his career and now I wear it. I used to love Reggie Bush growing up so I could see myself wearing his college number 5.”

LP: “What are you most excited for in the next chapter of your career?”

KW: “I’m excited to continue to grow as a man and learn the many lessons football teaches. I’m also excited to continue to share my faith along my journey.”

The past four years have been filled with both success and struggles for Kielan Whitner. However, what he’s never lacked is a work ethic and determination to be better than the second before. From the classroom, the gym, the football field, and even some mission trips, Whitner has given his everything.

So, as the countdown continues to wind down, Whitner will be leaning into what he knows: football and faith.

Photo Credit

Featured image courtesy of Kielan Whiter (@Twitty_Whitty25) via Twitter

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