DJ Whittley is a senior two-way player for the Collinsville Cardinals. Whittley plays key roles on both offense and defense at left tackle and defensive end. Whittley has been an integral part of Collinsville’s success in recent years and is looking forward to a solid senior campaign. Last season, when Collinsville won the Gold Ball, Whittley started all 14 games for the Cardinals and knows what it takes to not only be a leader but to be a good teammate as well. 

“The key is being a pace setter with anything you do,” Whittley said. “You got to set an example for the young players. They will do what the leaders do.” 

For Whittley his love of football started at a young age. 

“I started playing football when I was in first grade,” Whittley said. “I really loved watching the game and I knew I wanted to play.” 

Whittley doesn’t only look to excel on the gridiron this year. As a senior he is also focused on his education and is looking toward the future. 

“My goal in academics is getting above a 3.5 GPA and getting a good score on the SAT,” Whittley said. “In football the goal is to bring the best of my abilities to my football team and my coaches.” 

Whittley is following in a family tradition of playing football. His father played and coached and has made a tremendous impact on Whittley throughout his life and is one person he can always turn to for advice. 

“My dad was a running back in high school and a coach all his life,” Whittley said. He has really helped me improve my game all the way up to now. He is the reason I’m here right now.” 

Whittley also admires Ray Lewis because of his mentality and drive on the gridiron and strives to play like him. 

After Collinsville claimed the Gold Ball last season, Whittley wants to see his team have success again this year. Although the team is a bit more inexperienced, Whittley knows that with the right mindset the Cardinals can accomplish anything they put their minds to. 

“We won state last year so I’m really excited for the playoffs and how we will do there,” Whittley said. “We are a young team but I think we have the potential to be great if we just grind and work as a team.” 

After high school Whittley plans to continue his playing career at the next level and wants to major in athletic training, sports management, or business.