Name: Mckinley Whitfield
School: Tulsa
Position: FS/SS/LB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 214
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
One of the main goals I accomplished was becoming a better player in man coverage, my first three years of college I was playing in the box a lot more. This year I made the move to FS, so I knew I had to become better in my man to man coverage with slot WR’s. Another big goal I accomplished was just becoming more of a vocal leader for the team.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
I believe my college coaches would say that I’m a humble person that comes to work everyday, and a great leader on and off the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m watching film the things I look for most is tendencies, what type of plays and formations they run the most on certain downs and situations. Also just focusing a lot on receivers, how they come off the ball and how the quarterback is with his eyes.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I think something that separates me from other players is my size and athletic ability to move around the field to cover and make tackles. I’m a big physical player with good natural instincts. My communication on the field is great, and I think that is a huge factor because being able to trust your teammate on the field is huge in this game.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I went to Miami, Florida at Pete Bommaritos to train for my pro day. But right now I’m just working out everyday pushing myself to keep getting better and taking care of my body.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I’m the type of person who isn’t ever going to shy away from any work or getting better. I’m a team player who is always willing to do whatever it is to make a team better, that’s why I changed positions three different times while being in college. I come from a small town where not many people get the chance to play at this level, I want to make my community proud and set the bar for the kids watching me.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
You would be getting a very underrated hungry player who comes to work everyday, and is ready for an opportunity to show he belongs in the NFL. I’m a coachable player, and ready to do whatever it is to make a 53 man roster.
