Holy Kermit! Whitfield's Speed Propels FSU To National Title

Todd Grasley

As I was watching the National Championship with FSU trailing in the 4th quarter, I thought to myself if the kickoff lands in Kermit's hands he could break the big one. Levonte "Kermit" Whitfield was one of the top sprinters in Florida and in the nation a year ago and that speed was on display in Pasadena. Whitfield caught the ball in the endzone and brought it the length of the field, 100 yards, to put the Seminoles ahead 27-24 with a little over four minutes remaining in the game. Take a look at this awesome kick return and take a trip down memory lane as we look Whitfield's high school track and field days!

Those closest give their feedback on the play:

Former FSU football player/Adidas runner/cousin Marvin Bracy: "Right before they kicked it off I said "Kerm need to run this back man." I think we both saw the same alley at the same time and he hauled butt! I ran around the house about three times! Words can't express how happy I am for that boy. He's been through a lot and for him to rise in the particular moment is even more reassurance that he's gonna be hell on the field for teams next year."

Former FSU football/track athlete/personal coach Ricky Argro: "INK (Argro's running club which stands for Imagine Not Knowing) does what it does. I called it right before it happened. I told my fiancé if they kick it to him he's gonna score I can see it in his eyes."


National Championship Kickoff Return





In 2013, Whitfield ran a blazing 100 meter time of 10.15 (2.4 mph wind) at the Bob Hayes Invitational (pictured above). He followed that up with a US#1 10.28 at the Florida Relays (video below). Injury slowed down his senior year and kept him from defending his state title in the 100 meters at the 2A state championship. Whitfield was nearly back to normal when he headed to New York City to defend his title belt at the Adidas Grand Prix. 


Watch more video of 2013 Florida Relays on flotrack.org

 

 

Levonte Video Wall:

One of my favorites. Former Seminole Marvin Bracy who signed with Adidas interviews his cousing Whitfield at the 2A State Championship in 2012. Whitfield went onto win the 100,200 and was a part of the runner-up 4x100 meter relay.



 

 


 

 

See what the top track and field athletes had to say about Kermit's standout play which earned him top honors on Sportcenter's Top Ten.






Personal Bests

  • 100 Meter Dash - 10.15
  • 200 Meter Dash - 20.66
  • 55 Meter Dash - 6.32
  • 60 Meter Dash - 6.64


More Coverage

 

Watch Videos of Levonte Whitfield