Interview: 2020 CB/WR Jelani Whitmore is a Missed Two-Way Standout for Carter
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The reel on Class of 2020 athlete Jelani Whitmore does not lie. He can play. Whether he is lining up at corner knocking away passes or jarring them loose, or burning defenses as a receiver, Whitmore is an impact player for Carter High School. At the end of his junior campaign, Whitmore (6-0, 155) had come up with 31 stops, 29 solo, with three picks and six passes broken up. On the other side of the ball, he snagged 31 passes for 490 yards with four trips into the end zone being a bright spot during a tough 1-9 season for the Lions.
The Lions are renewed entering the 2019 season and Whitmore is ready to lead the pride to the California playoffs closing out his senior year on a mission. In an RNG exclusive interview, I caught up with one of California’s under the radar talents to learn more about his overall game.
Interview
Jelani, watching your game tape at corner, there are a lot of things you do well that I really like. You run on the hip, high-point the ball, and turn your head when the ball is in the air. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a corner?
“I feel like I can play man and zone well. My ball skills are good because I play receiver and I squeeze receivers well.”
You put up some nice numbers at receiver last season as well. When the 2018 year had ended, what did you consider to be your strengths as a wide out?
“My catching, my hands, and I am an explosive guy – if we needed a long ball, I could go get it.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on as a corner this spring and summer?
“I have been working on my press, making sure receivers do not get a free release. I have been working on squeezing receivers more and running the route with them.”
We have talked about your strengths and what have you been working on this offseason. Going through fall camp, where are you seeing the biggest improvements on defense?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements in my press; how the receivers are not able to get away from me. I am using my length better. Receivers have to go around me to get into their route.”
What about as a receiver? What have you been working on and where are you seeing the biggest growth?
“As a receiver, my improvements have been my yards after the catch. I am trying to break plays for longer touchdowns this season.”
Did you do any extra outside training this offseason?
“Yes. I trained with the coaches at Rharebreed.”
How did training with Rharebreed help take your abilities to another level?
“It helped a lot. Training with them, it is slowing the game down for me. I can see things clearly. I am slowing defensive backs down as a receiver and I know how to beat them. Same thing as a corner.”
Did you play for a 7v7 travel team during the offseason?
“Yes. I played with Rharebreed.”
How did those extra reps help your game?
“It helped a lot. I saw a lot of different receivers – fast and speedy receivers and the big and tall. Playing 7v7 with Rharebreed helped with my game to guarding the big and small receivers. The high-level of competition we played against has helped. When the season starts, I have seen all this before. I know now what to do.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to Colorado State, Arizona State, a Boise State camp in Whittier, Sacramento State, and an Oregon State camp.”
Wow. That is a lot of camping. Of all the camps, which was your best performance?
“My best was at Colorado State.”
What did you do well at Colorado State to make it your best?
“During the one-on-ones I had two interceptions and there were no balls completed on me. In the 7v7 portion, I had a pass breakup.”
Entering the season, which schools are showing interest?
“Sacramento State, Washington State, Utah, Boise State, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Oregon State.”
Aside from all the camps, did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes. I visited Colorado and Colorado State.”
Turning to the season with everything kicking off on Friday. How is the team looking heading into the opener against Colony?
“We are looking pretty good. We improved with our linemen from last season and with our skill guys. We are better than last season.”
What kind of game are you expecting from the Titans on both sides of the ball?
“We are expecting them to try to run it on us. Our defense is good. After they try to run it, we are expecting deep balls and vertical routes.”
What goals have you set for yourself this season?
“My goals are to get 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. On defense, my goals are to get seven to 10 picks, some pick-sixes, and some special teams touchdowns on kick return.”
Jelani, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming senior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Nicole Noel Photography; Jelani Whitmore 7v7 action with Rharebreed