Sports
Local Athlete Opts for Junior College
Former Eagle football standout looks to improve his grades and meet NCAA requirements.
Most college students go out and find the school that best fits them, but for Osbourn graduate Lucky Whitehead and Dean College, it was the other way around.
“They found me. I was at my friend’s house when they called and they sounded really interested so I looked into them,” Whitehead said.
After an outstanding football career and a stellar senior year performance, it would have been difficult for Dean College to not find Whitehead. According to the Washington Post, Whitehead finished his senior season with 39 receptions for 794 yards and 47 rush attempts for 430 yards, amassing a total of 17 touchdowns. He even went 2 for 2 in passing for 49 yards and a touchdown.
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Despite drawing attention from Division I programs such as University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, Whitehead knew he would have to first attend a junior college to improve his grades and meet the NCAA requirements.
After visiting approximately five different schools, he made the decision to accept a from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts.
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“They seemed the most interested and after going up there, I really liked it the most. I think it is going to be a good fit,” Whitehead said.
The Bulldogs run the spread offense, a scheme very familiar to Whitehead from high school. But how does an All-Cedar District and All-Northwest Region player on both sides of the ball choose between offense and defense?
“They gave me the choice to play either offense or defense, but I told them I want to play offense because I feel that I can showcase my talents better and it is what I’m most comfortable doing,” Whitehead said. “They have also talked with me about playing some special teams, too.”
According to the National Junior College Athletic Association, junior college athletes sign a letter of intent for a one-year commitment, but have the option to re-sign the next year and stay for a maximum of two years. As he departs today to begin his college career at Dean, Whitehead is focused on his goals and optimistic about his future.
“I know I have the option to leave after one year, but I want to stay for two years to really improve my grades and attract a lot of attention. I’m not set on any particular school, I just want to do whatever it takes to get to the next level,” Whitehead said.
