Mississippi State wide receiver Creed Whittemore, plans to redshirt the remainder of the 2024 season as a sophomore. The announcement came as part of the SEC-mandated Availability Report, and only listed Whittemore as “Out”. The report was distributed Wednesday night ahead of the Bulldogs’ game with Texas this weekend. It’s only a requirement for games involving two SEC teams.
The announcement comes during a day of defections in the entire College football world. UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka made the decision to sit out the remainder of the season, despite his team opening to a 3-0 start. Also deciding to sit out 2024, was USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander. Players are allowed to play in four games and still take on the redshirt status as long as they don’t play the remainder of that season. All three players have appeared in every game throughout week four. Although no official announcement has been made, voluntarily redshirting is typically seen as a predecessor to transferring. That is the speculation as Whittemore plans to redshirt for the remainder of the 2024 season. The next portal will be available December 9th through January 7th.
Growing Up Floridian
Whittemore is a native of Gainesville, FL, the home to the Florida Gators. He had originally committed to Florida, where his older brother, Trent Whittemore, played for four seasons through 2022. However, the younger Whittemore decommitted from Florida, possibly knowing that his brother was transferring to UCF, where he still plays. Little brother then committed to State in October 2022, hoping to play for Mike Leach.
The Air Raid coach’s untimely death in December 2022, put an end to those hopes. Still, Whittemore kept his commitment to MSU, playing his freshman season under head coach Zach Arnett. That season didn’t turn out that well for the team, but Whittemore received playing time in all 12 games, recording 11 passes for 102 yards and two scores. As a slot receiver, he had four rushes for 60 yards and a touchdown.
But, this year, is the same as the last, Whittemore was second on the depth chart. He was behind Tulu Griffin in 2023, and this year behind the Louisville transfer Kevin Coleman Jr. Under head coach Jeff Lebby, he has four catches for 65 yards. He’s got one running play for a 41-yard touchdown.
Losing Season Once Again
As a true freshman, Whittemore was part of a team that went 5-7 and missed a bowl game, for the first time in 13 seasons. Lebby’s team is off to a 1-3 start, and the future is not that bright. Six of the remaining teams are nationally ranked, four in the top 10. The only additional win might be against UMass. But considering their other non-conference games, even that is not a given. Now, following the Florida game, starting quarterback Blake Shapen is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Barring some sort of miracle, that would mean the Bulldogs could potentially go 2-9 on the season. That would clearly place them at the bottom of the SEC.
Still, Whittemore is an impact player. In the first game this year, Whittemore made a 41-yard touchdown run. Against Florida, last week, he had a two-catch 36-yard game. Despite the little playing time, he appeared in all 16 games since he came to State. He has 15 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Running the ball, he has five carries for 101 yards and a score. Last season, he sat behind a major performer in Griffin. As a sophomore, his role as a slot receiver was expected to expand..
Earlier this fall, he commented on his position. “I was playing behind a guy that was obviously pretty good,” Whittemore said. “I was thankful of being on the plane and the bus for the game because a lot of people redshirt.” He said he was grateful for the opportunity and was never frustrated. But, he was looking for the moment in his career when one stands out. “I think everybody wants to break out,” Whittemore said. “That’s everybody’s goal and that’s obviously my goal. I hope everybody breaks out. I want to win games first and foremost.”
For the Dawgs and Whittemore this season, the common phrase, heard all too early is, “There’s always next season.”
