SaberCats Welcome Back Three-Time All-Arena WR/LB Huey Whittaker
October 16, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The SaberCats announced today that they have been assigned three-time All-Arena selection wide receiver/linebacker Huey Whittaker. The former South Florida Bull returns to San Jose for his third season with the SaberCats, following a productive 2013, in which he earned second team All-Arena honors as a jack linebacker.
"Having Huey back in the fold is important for us looking ahead to the 2014 season," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "His versatility in all facets of this game is unique. He is a true throwback ironman player that makes a significant impact offensively, defensively and on special teams."
Whittaker (6-5, 225, South Florida) has played seven seasons in the Arena Football League, totaling 559 receptions for 6,486 yards and 142 touchdowns in 79 career regular season games. He posted 89 catches for 998 yards, 27 touchdowns and also added one rushing score in 17 appearances in 2013 for the SaberCats. In addition to his offensive prowess, Whittaker exhibited his versatility on both defense and special teams, as he posted 65.5 total tackles (ranking fourth on the team), had one sack, intercepted six passes, forced two fumbles, recovered one more and scored five defensive touchdowns (four on interception returns and one fumble return) throughout the season.
From 2008-2012, Whittaker was one of the most consistent players at his position, averaging 116 catches for 1,358 yards and 28 touchdowns per season. As a member of the Utah Blaze in 2008, Whittaker was named first-team All-Arena. His best statistical season though, was with the Spokane Shock in 2010, notching 144 receptions for 1,653 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Arena honors in the process during their ArenaBowl Championship run. During his seven-year AFL career, Whittaker has been a member of the Tampa Bay Storm (2006, 2011), Blaze (2007-08), Shock (2010) and SaberCats (2012-13).
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, Whittaker has spent time with numerous NFL teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004), Jacksonville Jaguars (2004-05) and the New York Jets (2009).
The Hernando County, Fla. native attended the University of South Florida from 2001-03, starting 21 games for the Bulls and hauled in 117 receptions for 1,447 yards with seven touchdowns. Whittaker transferred to South Florida from Hudson Valley (NY) Community College in 1999.
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- SaberCats Welcome Back Three-Time All-Arena WR/LB Huey Whittaker - San Jose SaberCats
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