ChrisWhittaker

High School

• A three-star recruit
• Scout lists him as the 12th-best defensive end in the state of Florida
• Listed as the 55th strongside defensive end in the nation and the 148th-best prospect in Florida in the 2017 class, according to 247Sports
• ESPN ranks him the 213th-best prospect in Florida and the 106th-best defensive end in the class of 2017
• ESPN scouting report says, “Whittaker has adequate length and overall size with limited upside to continue growth. Has good power and short area burst. Continued development of his strength will benefit. His high athletic ability gives him upside for quick development.”
• Rivals’ Justin Rowland says, “Whittaker is built like a traditional 4-3 defensive lineman in the making but his ability to stand up and rush off the edge is a testament to his athleticism. He’s one of several players in this class who make Kentucky bigger on the edge and better at getting after the quarterback.”
• Coached by Dameon Jones
• Helped Chaminade-Madonna to a 10-5 overall record and an appearance in the Class 3A state championship game
• Compiled 77 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries during his senior campaign
• High school teammate of fellow 2017 signee Josh Ali
• Picked Kentucky over offers from Central Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and Georgia

Personal

• Born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 
• Son of Jewell McDonald
• Major is undecided but plans a major in business

Chris  Says

• His nickname is “Whitt”
• He chose Kentucky because it was a great opportunity
• The one thing he most looks forward to this season is walking out of the tunnel with his team and going to war
• If had a hashtage to describe himself it would be #DoitAll
• Most people don’t know when he was four years old his mother saved him from drowning