O-R Football Player of the Year: Devin Whitlock, Belle Vernon
Holly Tonini/For the Observer-Reporter
Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock makes another big run against New Castle.
By Joe Tuscano/Staff writer/jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
Whitlock
Ed Thompson/For the Observer-Reporter
Although dangerous as a runner and punt returner, Belle Vernon quarterback Devin Whitlock could beat opponents with his passing.
After watching his breath-taking game-winning touchdown against Thomas Jefferson in the waning seconds of a regular-season game, his two touchdown runs in a second victory over TJ in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class 4A football playoffs, and the two seasons of, well, greatness, Belle Vernon football coach Matt Humbert coach tried to find the words to describe this little powerball dual-threat quarterback.
It was not an easy task. Finally, he settled on this statement: “Devin is a one-of-a-kind player.”
A 5-8, 175-pound dynamo, Whitlock wowed Belle Vernon fans, made believers of opponents, and continuously brought video game-like moves to life as the quarterback for the Leopards.
He made the unbelievable look easy.
One of those plays was a 40-yard game-winning touchdown run with four seconds left against perennial power Thomas Jefferson Sept. 24 in a game where he finished with 171 yards on 21 carries.
This came two weeks after Whitlock rushed for 209 yards and three scores while throwing for 95 yards against Penn-Trafford, which won the WPIAL 5A championship at Heinz Field last Saturday.
Big players step up in big games, and Whitlock had a knack for it this season.
“Dynamic is probably the best way to describe him,” Humbert said. “However, his coachability and his attitude are probably two of his biggest attributes.”
Whitlock led Belle Vernon to the WPIAL Class 4A championship game as the top-seed before falling to Aliquippa, and he scored both of Belle Vernon’s touchdowns in the contest.
He also helped Belle Vernon go undefeated during the regular season, including winning the Big Eight Conference championship.
Whitlock finished the season with 1,251 yards rushing and 25 TDs on 121 carries while averaging 10.3 yards per carry and completed 70 of 111 pass attempts for 1,194 yards and nine scores.
Named the Big Eight Conference Offensive Player of the Year, the Big Eight Conference First Team quarterback and a second team Big Eight Conference defensive back, Whitlock can add another honor to his impressive and ever-growing laundry list of accolades: Observer-Reporter Football Player of the Year.
“I am honored and appreciative of winning this award,” Whitlock said. “It means a lot to me, and it is as much about my teammates as it is about me.
“There are a lot of good players in the area, and to be chosen, I am thankful.”
Whitlock becomes the second player to have won both the O-R football and boys basketball Player of the Year awards. Brian Miller of Ringgold was the first (1990-91). Whitlock won the boys basketball award for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
Whitlock realizes the sense of accomplishment that comes with winning both awards.
“I mean, there have been so many amazing players over the years,” he said. “To be the second to win this award in both basketball and football, I am humbled and grateful.”
Humbert had a front row seat and has seen firsthand what Whitlock can do with the ball in his hands.
“The thing that stands out regarding him, is not his level of play but his competitive nature and toughness,” Humbert said. “It is hard to find another person, pound for pound, with his heart and tough mentality.”
Whitlock’s fearless approach stands out.
“I always want the other teams and other players to bring their best each play because I am bringing mine,” he said. “I want to beat them every play.
“If they get me this play, I am coming right back the next play to get them.”
Whitlock has received Division I offers from The Citadel and Youngstown State as well as from some smaller schools.
With preferred walk-on offers from Pitt and West Virginia, not to mention basketball interest, Whitlock is looking to make a decision soon.
“I don’t want to wait too long,” he said of the recruiting process. “I’d play both sports if I could, but I will play whichever I can make an impact in.”
That is, make an impact like he has done on countless occurrences for the Leopards on the football field and the basketball court.