The 11th-ranked defensive end in the state of Florida, Chris Whittaker, has scheduled his first official visit with two additional visit destinations in mind.
Chris Whittaker continues to scan through his collegiate options in hopes of using up multiple official visits, but recently took a step in the right direction after finalizing his first official visit with a school that's already left their mark with one of his teammates at Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna.
Whittaker, a 6-foot-3.5, 245-pound rising senior and Scout's 11th-ranked defensive end in the Sunshine State, is a current teammate of 2017 Kentucky three-star wide receiver commit, Joshua Ali.
"Just Kentucky on the 17th of September," Whittaker said when asked about his official visit plans. "I'm looking for dates for the other schools.
"I know of South Carolina and Georgia Tech right now."
Chris Whittaker
Chaminade Madonna College Prep
Hollywood, FL
6'3.5" / 245 lbs
DE RANK
62
FL DE RANK
11
INTERESTS
24
AnalysisWhittaker is one junior defender in the trenches that passes the eye test with his physical makeup at 6-foot-3.5, 245 pounds. Whittaker is a strong young man that provides a thud at the point of attack, and really does a nice job of setting the edge and playing with discipline. His motor and ability to pursue the ball from the backside catches your attention as well. Finding some go-to moves and working on his burst off the line should be areas of improvement moving forward.
CLOSE
UK offensive coordinator Eddie Gran has a reputation for sealing the deal and capturing top-notch talent out of Florida, especially down in Whittaker's stomping grounds of South Florida.
"Coach Gran has been huge in my recruitment," Whittaker said. "Just from the communication; he has been texting and calling me every day to every other day about practice, my potential impact, and just stuff outside of football.
"That's been great, and I'm definitely looking forward to the visit."
Whittaker has already been exposed to life as a Gamecock after making the trek up to Columbia back on June 13, but hopes to reconnect with some familiar faces sooner rather than later.
"Coach (Will) Muschamp is a very busy guy, but still manages to text me," Whittaker said. "I have conversations with him and just talk about training camp.
"Also, (defensive line) coach (Lance) Thompson is a very good coach and mentor for me."
Whittaker, who's equipped with additional offers from Notre Dame, North Carolina, Georgia, NC State, Indiana, Illinois and Tennessee among others, isn't quite ready to serve up any clear-cut leaders.
"My top school is being determined right now," Whittaker said. "I haven't figured out the pros and cons of each school and what's best for me."
FLA.'S 11TH-RANKED DE SCHEDULES FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT W/ UKCoreyBenderYesterday at 6:25 PM
