steady Illinois State linebacker with special-teams roots and veteran toughness
In the 2006 season, Mark Whitaker appeared in 13 games for Illinois State, mostly on special teams, and finished with seven tackles, including a career-high four against Missouri State, plus a 21-yard kickoff return at Northern Iowa. His profile reads like a grinder: reliable, assignment-sound, and willing to do the dirty work that coaches love. The biggest differentiator is versatility and trust, not splashy production. He also brought strong off-field value, earning AFNI Honor Roll recognition twice. If you need a dependable, physical linebacker who won’t blink in the trenches, Whitaker fits the mold.
