Tazewell quarterback Ty Whittaker has a hunger to learn (copy)
Ty Whittaker, a sophomore from Tazewell, had passed for 848 yards and eight scores during the second season as quarterback.
TAZEWELL, Va. – Tazewell Bulldogs quarterback Ty Whittaker made his varsity debut at midseason last year as a freshman.
“I was nervous, but I’m glad that I got the experience out of the way. I feel at peace now,” Whittaker said.
Through three games this season, the 6-foot-1 Whittaker has passed for 848 yards and eight scores.
In this case, the freshman initiation was beneficial.
“Yes. I know so much more about the position and the game now,” Whittaker said.
There were two dramatic changes for Whittaker and the Bulldogs over the summer.
Following a 2-8 record, J’me Harris replaced Seth Padgett as the head coach.
Meanwhile, Whitaker enrolled in an advanced course of quarterback studies with Charlotte-based instructor Chris Reynolds.
What did Whittaker learn from the former five-year starter at UNC Charlotte?
“Everything,” Whittaker said. “(Reynolds) really helped me with footwork, arm strength and accuracy.”
This was no simple prospect camp.
Whittaker made the 180-journey from Tazewell to Charlotte once a week.
“We worked out in a park downtown,” Whittaker said. “The traffic in Charlotte is interesting, but it was all worth it. Reynolds has worked with a lot of quarterbacks and he’s a great teacher.”
During multiple 7-on-7 sessions back home in far Southwest Virginia, Whittaker began to apply some of his newfound knowledge and skills.
“I have confidence know,” Whittaker said. “I love throwing the ball, and I can run it too.”
According to Tazewell quarterback coach Bill Dudley, Whittaker has the mental and physical essentials for success.
“Ty has great size, leadership, athleticism and ability,” Dudley said.
Dudley pointed to another strong point that all coaches wish for.
“Ty is an extremely easy kid to coach,” Dudley said. “Ty has gained experience as a sophomore, and he has the full confidence of the team.”
The highlight for Whittaker and the Bulldogs in 2025 came in back-to-back victories against Grundy and Marion.
Whittaker rushed for 106 yards and two scores in the 35-20 decision against Grundy.
One week later, he accounted for 208 total yards and two more touchdowns in a 49-0 conquest at Marion.
“We went through a lot of adversity as a team, but that sparked a fire,” Whittaker said. “We worked harder than ever in the weight room and during drills.”
Whittaker also welcomed the return of Harris.
“We were happy to have Coach Harris back. He makes things much easier,” Whittaker said.
Following a hard 42-7 loss at Union last week, Tazewell (1-2) will travel to Giles on Friday.
The Bulldogs are averaging 19 points per game, as Whittaker has distributed touchdown passes to four different targets.
Junior Chase McDonald and senior Caden Williamson have each supplied two TD receptions, while 6-4 sophomore Ellis Day has emerged as the top target with three scoring connections.
“Nobody knew anything about (Day) entering the season, but he’s good,” Whittaker said. “Ellis is our deep threat. When you the ball up, he will come down with it.”
Tazewell can also employ a secret weapon on offense with tight end Jakiem Beavers, a 6-3 and 338-pound tackling machine on the defensive line.
“If you get the ball to Jakiem in space, he can make people miss. And he’s definitely hard to tackle,” Whittaker said.
Whittaker is anxious to continue his education in the finer aspects quarterback play.
“I’m always watching film, studying defenses and just trying to get better,” Whittaker said.
agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544
