Head coach Gary Patterson and the TCU Horned Frogs secured a significant commit on Friday with the pledge of Bastrop (TX) linebacker Paul Whitmill, as first reported by the Bastrop football program.
TCU Recruiting 2013: Paul Whitmill Commits To Horned Frogs
The Horned Frogs added an undersized but physical linebacker on Friday.
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Whitmill is the third commit in the 2013 class for TCU and the second linebacker, joining Arlington (TX)‘s Sammy Douglas, another undersized outside linebacker.
Listed at 5-11 and 200 pounds, Whitmill held 10 offers prior to his commitment, with schools such as Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Ole Miss, SMU, Texas Tech, Utah, and Wake Forest. Ranked as a four-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports, Scout considers Whitmill a three-star prospect.
The major debit against Whitmill is obviously his size, as he’s listed either at 6-0 or 5-11, on the small side for any major-college linebacker. However, he runs more like a safety than a linebacker, which is necessary for someone who doesn’t have the pure mass to exist inside, though he is physical and uses his hands reasonably well. He’ll have to make his living at TCU with his ability to drop in coverage and cover from sideline to sideline.
Besides his speed, the most impressive aspect of Whitmill’s game is his striking ability. A wrap-up tackler who brings his feet on contact, Whitmill plays larger than his size.
For more on Horned Frogs football, visit TCU blog Frogs O’ War, plus SB Nation Dallas.
Paul Whitmill Highlights (via 247SportsStudio)
