Whittemore Ready For Anything
August 10, 2024 | Football, Joel Coleman
State receiver can be so much more than just a pass catcher for the Bulldogs.
STARKVILLE – Scroll down the Mississippi State football roster on HailState.com and get to Creed Whittemore's name. Check out his position, and you'll of course see two letters – 'WR'.
Yes, Whittemore is still a wide receiver for the Bulldogs. However, as he prepares himself for the 2024 season, Whittemore is getting set to not only catch passes, but do absolutely whatever he can to wrap fall Saturdays in Maroon and White.
"I try to be a utility player," Whittemore said. "I played quarterback in high school. I obviously changed to receiver when I came here, but I feel like I can do a lot of stuff on the football field. Whether that's holding, punt returning, running down at gunner or wherever they need from me."
Creed Whittemore: A State Swiss Army Knife.
There is nothing he won't do and there is no job he considers too small. Sure, it creates a little more practice work for the Gainesville, Florida, native. But coming from a family full of athletes, the want to work hard is just in Whittemore's blood.
His father was a wide receiver at UCF. His mother played volleyball at Florida. His two brothers also were receivers in college football – one at Florida and another at Troy.
So, yeah, Whittemore knows a thing or two about going above and beyond in order to be successful on a big stage.
"It's obviously a grind, but I like being a utility guy," Whittemore said. "I like being someone they can put in different places. That's something I take pride in."
Of course, Whittemore's primary job is hauling in throws from State's quarterbacks. Last year as a true freshman, he provided a glimpse at how much of a playmaker he can be in that role.
Whittemore appeared in all 12 games and started two in 2023. He caught 11 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Whittemore also showed just how versatile he really is as he ran for 60 yards and a score on four carries.
Just as important as the numbers he put up were the lessons he learned. Remember, just ahead of Whittemore on the depth chart was one of the most electric athletes to ever wear the Maroon and White – Lideatrick Griffin, better known as Tulu.
"I was playing behind a guy that's with the Raiders right now, so he was obviously pretty good," Whittemore said. "I was just thankful for the opportunity. I was thankful to be on the plane or bus to the game. A lot of people redshirt or don't even get to go to the games. So, I was just grateful for the opportunity. I learned a lot from Tulu.
"Tulu is a guy that played fast. That's something you can kind of catch yourself not doing as a freshman. You can get caught thinking a lot. Something I learned from him was just to go out and play fast and plays will come to you."
While Tulu has gone from State to Sundays, Whittemore is still here learning, growing and maturing. Wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis has been impressed with the strides Whittemore has taken as he gets set for his sophomore season.
"He's gotten better in every area," Bumphis said of Whittemore. "He came in never playing wide receiver. He played quarterback but never wide receiver. So, every rep that he gets as a wide receiver, he's getting better. He came in very mature coming from a football family and he's only taking steps forward."
Whittemore has continued to stack productive days in the early days of preseason camp this year. In an ultra-talented wide receiver room that Whittemore describes as really close and tight-knit, he's doing all he can to stand out, mainly just by doing what he does best – putting his head down, grinding and getting after it without reservation.
"You have to be the guy that comes out and works hard every day," Whittemore said. "That's how I try to separate myself. I feel like I come out and I give 100 percent every day. I'm going to run hard. I'm going to run the right route. I think just knowing the plays is big to [head coach Jeff Lebby]. He always says he's going to play the guys he can trust so I want to be a guy he can trust."
Seems like a safe bet that Whittemore is on the right track to have the full faith of Lebby and the rest of the coaches. He's got the mindset. He's got the talent. And you better believe he is ready for anything, anywhere at any time.
"There are other names that people have been talking about, but don't forget about Creed," Bumphis said. "Creed can really play, and he'll be successful. He's one of those combo guys that you can move inside or outside. He can return punts.
"I tell Creed all the time that he's one of God's favorites. He's chosen."
