Former Coastal Carolina transfer Will Whitson discusses Mississippi State decision
After entering the transfer portal, former Coastal Carolina defensive tackle Will Whitson collected several Power 4 opportunities. With each new opportunity and official visit, he simply did his homework on finding the best fit.
Eventually, Whitson found that right fit at Mississippi State and the defensive system played a role in that decision. Whitson has one season left to play at the college level and wanted to make sure he found the right system for his talents.
“It was really about the defensive scheme,” Whitson explained. “That helped out a lot and it was a difference for me. I feel like it was the right fit for me from a scheme standpoint.”
Another factor for Whitson was his belief in Mississippi State defensive line coach David Turner. Expected to enroll in January, Whitson is eager to begin that process with Turner.
“It meant a lot getting to know Coach Turner on my visit there,” added Whitson. “I feel like he can develop me for the next level and that was a big thing. I look forward to working with him.”
The 6-foot-5 and 285-pound Whitson played in four games this past season before option to use his redshirt season. In those four games, Whitson totaled 20 tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble while earning a PFF (Pro Football Focus) grade of 82 for the season.
In the 2023 season, Whitson collected 42 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Whitson is a Cincinnati, Ohio, native and is also a former junior college transfer. For the Bulldogs, Whitson also expects to showcase his versatility in the trenches.
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“It’s cool now and a relief,” Whitson noted. “I just want to come in there and do what I can to help the defense. Coach Turner said he can move me around and he believes I can play three-technique or four high. And I’m pretty comfortable doing all of that.”
After entering the transfer portal, Whitson reeled in several Power 4 offers along with Mississippi State. In the month of December, Whitson ended up taking official visits to Mississippi State, Illinois and Maryland.
With his decision in the past, Whitson has high expectations for Jeff Lebby’s second season in Starkville. And those expectations center around the offseason work Lebby and his staff have done in the transfer portal.
“I’m excited,” mentioned Whitson. “I believe we can do something special. They are bringing in a lot of new guys that can play. So we have a chance to turn things around. I like what this defense can be with the new pieces.”
