Chicago Bears NFL Draft Sleeper: Kerrith Whyte Jr.

Q&A with Kerrith Whyte

DaWindyCity (DWC): Thanks so much for taking some time to chat with us today — we really appreciate. I know you’re busy so we’ll get right to it. If you would, talk to me a little about what you’re doing to train for the NFL Draft.

Kerrith Whyte Jr. (KW): Currently I’m training down at Fit Speed, with Coach Troy Jones. He’s training me for my Pro Day. I’m getting position work with Jerry Seymour who’s an excellent running back. He’s teaching me all the tools I need and going through film and fieldwork with me as well.

DWC: You decided to come out early after your junior season — what went into that decision?

KW: It was not a decision made overnight. The decision was made around Christmas time before last season. I woke up with a feeling like God was telling me something. So I continued to pray on it and as we went to spring training my answer was clear. I told a couple of teammates who probably thought I was playing around, but my answer became clearer and clearer and I stuck with it. I stuck with my decision and I have a lot of faith and very much believe in God and my decision.

DWC: It sounds like faith plays a big part in your life. Is that fair to say?

KW: Yes, everything no matter how big or small, I pray about everything. You know, even how I got to this point is because of God. Coming out of high school I only had one offer. I remember I wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school. Even in my freshman year in high school, my coach told me I was too small, and he didn’t know if I would make the team. So I remember going home that night crying. And I decided to pray, and that summer I grew four inches and got much bigger and stronger. But I wasn’t getting recruited but I kept praying for an opportunity to play Division 1 football — I never missed one night of praying.

So I remember one night I was out with my girlfriend and my high school coach texted me asking if I was going to the FAU Camp. My mom woke me up at 7 a.m. and encouraged me to go. So I went to the camp and ran the fastest 40 there and I got my scholarship offer two days later.  I remember Coach Partridge who was the coach at the time offered me a scholarship and I immediately said: “I commit.” And he was like, “don’t you want to talk to your family about it.” I was like “no, they’ll be happy about this.” So you know God has always been very good to me.

DWC: You were a very good kick returner in college. Do you have any experience returning punts as well?

KW: Throughout my college career I mainly did kick returns. I haven’t tried punt returns yet. I didn’t play any special teams in high school. But in college I became more of a special teams player because you know, I realized, special players play on special teams.

DWC: Did you watch a lot of Devin Hester‘s tape?

KW: Yeah man, he was one of my heroes growing up.

DWC: What would you bring to a team in terms of your on-the-field skills?

KW: I would say speed — something you can’t really coach. I try to be a game-changer and keep the defense guessing. I try to hit home run plays to change the game and change momentum.

DWC: What about off-the-field — what kind of intangibles would you bring to a team?

KW: I would be a player who leads by forming relationships with players. I’m kind of a low-key guy but I stay positive and spread good vibes. I like to maintain good relationships with people and always check-in on them to see how they’re doing.

DWC: How would you describe your running style?

KW: I would say I’m explosive — one cut and go. I try to use my speed to my advantage and take good angles. Whatever it may be, I try to make one cut, make a person miss and go. I like to use my speed and keep the defense guessing.

DWC: Is there a running scheme that fits your game?

KW: Over the years I’ve had so many offensive coordinators and been introduced to so many systems and plays, so I wouldn’t limit myself to one scheme. My last coach, Kevin Smith, he’s helped me be able to be dynamic and not limit myself to one scheme. He’s helped me be more versatile.

DWC: What’s something you’ve learned from Lane Kiffin’s offensive scheme?

KW: I’d say patience. Patience with the ball in your hands. We’ve been running a fast-tempo offense. So patience in setting up your blocks helps you have success in the running game.

DWC: Describe your abilities as a pass-catcher.

KW: Here at FAU the running backs are always on routes so we have to make sure our hands are on-point. Thankfully, I have natural hands so it’s definitely an asset for me especially in today’s game.

DWC: You mentioned your pro day is on March 26th. What are some things you’re hoping to accomplish and put out there for the scouts?

KW: I’m just trying to showcase the best me. Run as fast as I can, jump as high and as far as I can. Have great footwork. Do well in field drills and showcase who I really am and what scouts can look forward to.

DWC: Do you think there’s an aspect of your game that’s underrated that scouts will notice when they see you live?

KW: Probably my change of direction or explosiveness. It kind of translates on tape but it’s much more obvious in person.

DWC: If you had the opportunity to talk to the Bears’ general manager, what would you tell him?

KW: I would tell him that you won’t be disappointed. I’m a hard worker and can be a game-changer. I’m an asset to the team, not a liability and you won’t regret picking me. Growing up my father taught me how to work, so I always work hard.

DWC: Besides your speed, what other strengths do you bring to the table?

KW: I would say my hands, and moving and changing direction. Obviously, special teams as well, being able to play all special teams.

DWC: What do you like to do when you’re not playing football?

KW: I’m a big family person, so I like to spend time with my family. I also like to sing in my spare time.

DWC: You know the Bears had dancing competitions last season, so if they pick you, you may have to introduce them to singing competitions.

KW: [laughing] Singing competitions — yeah switch it up and bring something different!

DWC: So how do you think you’d fit into the Bears offense?

KW: I like the offense and how they use Tarik Cohen on third down. I think I would fit well with their team.

DWC: Kerrith, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us today and best of luck the rest of the way.

KW: Thank you man, I really appreciate that.