When defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker had surgery on his right knee before the 2013 season, he said he was hoping he could return later in the year. However, he wasn't able to make it back, redshirting his senior year while having to watch Auburn's magical run to the national championship from the sideline.
Heading into the 2014 season, Whitaker approached his final season with a chance to lead the team back to the title game while realizing they are no longer the underdogs.
"The way I viewed myself coming back was everybody had that joyride and the crazy finishes and all that, and I was going to have to be one of the guys to help bring us back down to reality," Whitaker said. "The reality is we have to keep working, and that now we are the hunted. Now people are circling us on the schedule."
It wasn't easy getting back on the field for the 6-foot-4, 322-pound Whitaker, as he said he had to fight his way back to playing at a high level.
He has not completely healed from his knee surgery from October 2013, but Whitaker said he has battled through it to contribute on a deep defensive line that includes seniors Angelo Blackson and Gabe Wright and sophomore Montravius Adams.
Jokingly referred to as the old man of the team, Whitaker's teammates, such as Blackson, said they have a great deal of respect for the fifth-year senior and have gravitated toward him for his ability to lead both on and off the field.
"Jeff is a great leader," Blackson said. "He's a veteran of the defense, probably the oldest. He's been around since 2010, the year we won the nationalchampionship, and he's one of those guys you can go to about anything. A lot of guys on this team respect him as a leader, including myself."
While Whitaker has taken great lengths to return and be a leader on the field, he still acts as a mentor to the younger players on the team. This includes giving advice on how to line up in certain formations or what to do on specific plays. He also guides them on how to handle the success of last year while staying focused on this year.
Whitaker said he is taking the season one game at a time as he enjoys his final season wearing the orange and blue uniform.
"I'm just soaking in the moment," Whitaker said. "I think just listening to former players and guys that have played and retired, the main thing they keep stressing is, 'Don't take it for granted. Don't wish that it was over,' because no matter how many years you play in the NFL, no matter, whatever, you're going to always remember these Saturdays."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
