Two-Way Sport Standout Levonte Whitfield Is Newest Nole

Aug 13, 2012

Jones senior Levonte Whitfield becomes the newest member of the Florida State football recruiting class. Whitfield, also known as Kermit, is a two way sports star for the Tigers and one of the top ranked sprinters in the country. He chose the Seminoles over offers from Ohio State, Miami, and a host of other schools. He says overall it was the best fit for him.

"I fell in love with the atmosphere. I had help narrowing it down between FSU and Ohio State. It was a gut feeling so I went with my first instinct. FSU showed me the most love out of all the schools besides Ohio State, but it also stands out more because they have a great track program. I'm looking forward to having a great time and the time of my life when I step on campus."

Originally, a University of Miami commit, Whitfield decomitted from the Canes and opened up the recruiting process once again. Kermit brings a lot to the football table in terms of speed, but he can also run great routes and catch the ball very well. On the track, he has a personal best time of 10.21 in the 100 meters and 6.71 seconds in the 60 meter dash. As a junior, he won the prestigious Dream 100 in New York City as well as repeat state championships in the 100 meter dash, and a 60 meter indoor title at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. He won the 200 as a junior and finished second as a sophomore.

Whitfield will be welcomed by a familiar face when he joins the Seminoles next fall. His cousin is former Boone standout, and one of the fastest kids in the class of 2012, Marvin Bracy. Bracy and Whitfield trained under FSU alumni Ricky Argro throughout their high school careers. Argro says adding Kermit another elite sprinter to an already very deep group at FSU.

"The 4x100 team they have on paper that they can put together with what they have and the addition of him could push for national record status. Him and Marvin will push each other in practices just like they did here when we all were together and the results should be very positive. Track played a vital role in his decision. Knowing that you will walk into a situation where you can compete for national titles and train with some of the nations best including your cousin was a big plus."

At FSU, Whitfield will have the privilege of working with one of the top sprint coaches in the nation in Ken Harnden. Argro says being a young coach Harnden can relate easily with the kids and that will help make his transition to the next level a smooth one. All in all, he says it should be a perfect situation for Whitfield.

"It should be a great thing. I'm so proud of those two (Levonte and Marvin) at the men they've become, and what they will be. I love those two to death and it's way bigger then sports. They know I'll always be Coach Rck to them and my expectations will not change. I expect greatness from them on and off the field. Nothing less.

Whitfield says he can't wait to team up with Bracy both on the gridiron and on the track and be a part of the FSU family.

"It's going to be great."

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