Interview: Allendale-Fairfax two-way talent Whosendove skyrocketing up recruiting boards

Former South Aiken High School wide receiver/cornerback D’Najee Whosendove is on the move. Well, that is an understatement. Whosendove is always on the move whether on the field or not he is from Point A to Point B in a hurry, and usually faster than any other South Carolina high school player while on the field. But now the 6’0”, 175 pound, game-breaking talent has moved his skill set to Allendale-Fairfax High School, a big “get” for the Tigers.

Tigers head coach Eddie Ford seemingly always produces winning team. 2014 was no different finishing the year 12-1. For his newly transferred two-way star, 2014 was a far more difficult season. The Thoroughbreds suffered through a tough 2-9 campaign. One of the bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season was D’Najee, pronounced Na-jay.

D’Najee was able to average 20.45 yards per reception coming up with 22 passes for 450 yards with eight touchdowns. On defense the sophomore laid the hat on 44 ball carriers coming up with one pick.

Despite playing on a team with a losing record college coaches still recognized the emerging talents of Whosendove. Teams like South Carolina, Clemson, Missouri, North Carolina State, Georgia Southern, and Florida are coming around waiting to see how Whosendove’s junior season goes on a perennial Carolina powerhouse. Expect a lot more top colleges attempting to set up a relationship once the 2015 season gets underway.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview Whosendove talks about the move from South Aiken to Allendale, preparing for a big junior season, and getting the recruiting process started.

 

D’Najee, 2014 had to be a tough season for everyone on the team. Walk us through the season a little bit.

“We did have a tough season last year. It was mostly a team full of sophomores at every position. Not much experience on the team. We didn’t have that leadership. It was hard. We had injuries too.”

How was the season for you?

“For me it was a good season on offense. On defense it took me a little while to get going. Personally it was good overall.”

Have you had a chance to workout with your new team yet?

“We started spring ball on Wednesday. We have a spring game at the end of the month. I’ve worked out some with the players but without the coaches. I’ve been working with the quarterback and some of the receivers on our own time.”

How do the Tigers look in your estimation heading into the 2015 season?

“They’re coming off a big year. Allendale ended up losing in the semifinals. They have a lot coming back, a lot of sophomores and juniors with a lot of experience.”

Due to any transfer rules do you have to miss any games in 2015?

“No, I don’t have to sit out any games.”

How has the transition gone from South Aiken to Allendale?

“It was a smooth. I was coming back to my home town. I wanted to come home.”

What are your strengths on the field at wide receiver?

“I come off the ball fast. The corner has to try to get his hands on me fast or I’m gone. My speed on the field is different than my 40 time. I get separation and I run good routes.”

What about at cornerback? What are your strengths at that position?

“Because I’m 6-foot, there’s not a lot of height difference with most receivers. I can keep up with the smaller ones and hang with the taller guys. I like press coverage, one-on-one coverage, and I can come up and stop the run. There was not a lot of passing going on in our league last year. I had to play a lot of hard corner. You have to play the run around here.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“I want a ring. I want to go to state. I want a ring!”

Do you have any personal goals?

“I want to exceed the yardage I had last year.”

You burned a defense for a sweet 90-yard touchdown reception last year. How many more 90-yard touchdowns can we count on next season?

“(laughing) At least five more.”

Will your role change this year compared to 2014?

“It’ll be the same as last year playing wide receiver and cornerback. I’ll move around the offense a little but other than that it’ll be the same.”

Let’s talk recruiting. You verbally committed to North Texas but then went on a visit to Florida and decommitted. North Texas later said they never extended an offer. What happened?

“There was some controversy around the offer. The coach later said he didn’t offer.”

Which schools are showing the most interest in you right now?

“Georgia Southern has been there all along and (South) Carolina has been there too. Clemson, Missouri, and Appalachian State are all showing interest.”

You recently went on an unofficial visit to Georgia Southern, how did that go?

“I loved it. I loved everything about it. I went there for their Junior Day.”

What all did you do when you visited the campus?

“We walked around the football facilities. We (recruits) talked to the coaches as a whole and then talked to the coaches as individuals at our different positions. We watched the team highlights. It was pretty good.”

You visited the Gamecocks as well, how did that go for you?

“It was good. I went to their spring game. Everybody was still fighting for a position, that was fun to watch. We toured their facilities, the media room, the weight room, and we were on the side lines before the spring game started.”

When you have talked to the different coaches about your game what are they telling you they like about your skill set?

“They like my versatility. They like that I can play more than one position and on both sides of the ball.”

What are the main factors you will consider when choosing a college?

“My family comes first. They will be a big part of my decision. The coaches and the offense or the defense I will end up playing for will be a factor too.”

Which position do you want to play in college, wide receiver or cornerback?

“I want to play cornerback or anywhere in the secondary.”

Are you going to any one-day college camps this summer?

“I’m going to N.C. State, Georgia Southern, and South Carolina.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for the camps?

“I’m doing a lot of weight lifting, trying to get stronger and faster. I have to learn the new offense. The offense here is different than the spread I was running before (South Aiken). I have to get the offense down pat before the season.”

Do you play any other sports?

“Not currently. I’ll play basketball and track next season. I transferred before the season started so I was not able to play this year.”

What type of basketball player are you?

“Not very good. In my mind I’m LeBron!” (laughing)

Which players do you like watching play the game?

“I like watching Patrick Peterson (CB – Arizona Cardinals), Calvin Johnson (WR – Detroit Lions), and Antonio Cromartie (CB – New York Jets). I like Andre Johnson (WR – Houston Texans) and Odel Beckham (WR – New Giants). I like seeing what Beckham has become.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“So far I’d have to say my dad (Denorr). Just him being there for me every game, no matter what, has been big. When I look and see him there it makes me want to play better.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Winning. I like to win. I obviously did not do a lot of that last season. I had to make an adjustment (laughing).”

 

The 2014 season will be pivotal for D’Najee. He already has a lot of looks coming his way but playing on a team with a lot of talent will bring more recruiters to the yard opening up even more opportunities while more than likely extending his season and stat lines.

D’Najee has a lot of football left to play, two years to be exact. No telling how his high school career may end up but one thing that is a known, watching him evolve as a player will be exciting. Amazing to think as a sophomore he was playing ironman football and succeeding in the process. Whosendove’s ceiling is so high it can only be limited by Whosendove himself.

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: twitter.com; D’Najee Whosendove at Georgia Southern.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 6 D’Najee Whosendove poses with former South Aiken teammates in 2014.