2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kee Whetzel, LB, West Florida

• Name: Kevontre (Kee) Whetzel
• Position: Linebacker/Safety
• Height: 6’3.5″
• Weight: 207 lbs
• School: University of West Florida
• Level: Division II – Gulf South Conference (GSC)
• Twitter: keewhet
• Instagram: whett1k

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: Communications (focus in business marketing)

Minor: Child Welfare 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

The energy that I bring to my team. I enjoy what I do and I’ve always had a high motor. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Definitely a leader at this point – my main role is going to be outside linebacker or nickel. Also going to get free safety reps this year. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

D’Anthony Bell – final season was in 2021 but still an amazing player, signed by Cleveland Browns as a UDFA 

Shomari Mason – starting running back with odds stacked against him due to size, but heart is always in the right place 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Natural athletic ability – I have played the position for many years at multiple levels in college. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

I was adopted and taken away from my biological mother – I was also in foster care for a decent amount of time. I am very grateful to be with my current family. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would probably be running track or trying out for a basketball team. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My adopted parents never went to a true four-year university, same goes with my brothers. I will be the first in my family to go through a program of that sort. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

My first career sack against Washington in 2017 – I was a freshman at the time and I just remember the crowd going wild (30,000+ people) 

My first start in college came against Arizona – I had 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a sack. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite athlete: LeBron James due to the way he dominates on the court 

Favorite team: Green Bay Packers 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Music is my main source of excitement – I use it as fuel alongside my own energy 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I like to dance a lot – I used to take lessons but now I just do it for fun 

I love animals – especially dogs. Playing and walking them gives me a lot of joy. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

Football is just a passion – I had Buccaneers season tickets being a Tampa native during my earlier days. The games were always exciting and I know I want to keep doing it for a long time.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m just a really motivated guy and I have a lot of energy, but I’m also hard-working. 

Other notes: 

I started playing on varsity in high school in junior year. Took me a while to find my spot on defense but things went up really fast. I also played offense from time to time. Went to Oregon State in 2016 out of high school – I had some family ties to the program even though it was extremely far from my home in Tampa. I transferred in 2019 because I wanted to be closer to home again, and since I was still an undergrad student I would have had to sit out a year if I went to another Division I FBS program. Turns out COVID shut down the season anyway but I’m still happy here playing Division II ball.