Last season Alex Whitehill had a breakout year for the Fort Hays State football team. The linebacker from McPherson led the Tigers and was 12th in the country in tackles garnering honorable mention recognition from the MIAA. This year he was named a First-team Pre-season All-American by Consensus Draft Services.

“I try not to think about it. The only thing that’s important to me is these guys out here” Whitehill said. “If these 100 guys I’m playing with aren’t pleased then I’m not pleased. If we go out and we win then I’m pleased no matter what” Whitehill said.

Whitehill and the Tigers open their season next Thursday at home against Emporia State in the Eagle Communications Kickoff Classic.