Whitlock sparked BVA offense at QB
Mike Darnay / MVI Sports
Belle Vernon Area junior quarterback Devin Whitlock looks for some running room during a regular season game against Thomas Jefferson on Sept. 25. After rushing for more than 1,000 yards and helping to lead BVA to an appearance in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals, Whitlock has been named the Mon Valley Independent-BeeGraphix Finest 30 Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com
When Jared Hartman’s tenure as Belle Vernon Area’s starting quarterback came to an end upon the conclusion of the 2019 campaign, head coach Matt Humbert didn’t fret.
Yes, he was faced with the challenge of replacing a three-year starter who helped lead the Leopards to a 10-win season and an appearance in the WPIAL Class 4A championship game in 2019.
But Humbert wasn’t worried about Hartman’s replacement in junior Devin Whitlock.
“There was really never a question mark surrounding whether he could or he couldn’t take over,” Humbert said of Whitlock, who played quarterback during his freshman season at Monessen before transferring to BVA.
Last year, Whitlock lined up under center in a few situations and a few packages, but this season was different.
With Hartman’s departure, Whitlock was relied upon to be the mainstay at the quarterback position with Jackson Jewell playing a role under center on occasion.
“The impressive thing is he was able to have success with only a month and a half of preparation,” Humbert said. “He had a quicker turnaround than any quarterback ever entering a campaign as a junior at quarterback.”
Whitlock, a versatile athlete who has proven capable of being a weapon in the running game, passing game and on defense, embraced the challenge of being BVA’s next star quarterback.
“I was excited and knew I had big shoes to fill with taking the leadership role,” Whitlock said. “More than anything, though, I was just glad to be picked for that role. I always felt comfortable at the QB position, so I never felt out of place. It was like I was home.”
Whitlock flourished in his role as BVA’s undisputed leader on the offensive side of the ball.
His dual-threat capabilities caused fits for opposing defenses as he wreaked havoc through the air and on the ground.
Whitlock threw for over 500 yards and six touchdowns, while making more of an impact with his legs, rushing for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished the season with seven 100-plus yard rushing games and averaged 10.7 yards per carry and 135 yards per game.
“We wanted to stick with what we do and what our identity is, while morphing the offense around Devin,” Humbert said. “I think we did that.”
Whitlock, who already earned All-Big 8 Conference and All-State honors for his play this season, was recognized last week as the Mon Valley Independent-BeeGraphix Finest 30 Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
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