These types of stories are always the most difficult to write. Today, we remember the life of former Virginia Tech cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, who passed away over the weekend at only 46 years old.
Whitaker, a 5-foot-9 cornerback from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, was a member of Virginia Tech’s famous 1998 recruiting class. How good was that class? Let’s look at some of the names from that class:
- QB Michael Vick
- RB Lee Suggs
- CB Ronyell Whitaker
- S Willie Pile
- C Jake Grove
- OL Anthony Davis
- WR Emmett Johnson
- RB Keith Burnell
- LB Jake Houseright
There were others, but those are some of the standouts. Some Virginia Tech Hall of Famers, some NFL
stars, and multi-year starters. All in all, a transformative class for legendary coach Frank Beamer.
Whitaker was front and center. After redshirting in 1998, Whitaker played in all 11 games in 1999 — the greatest season in Virginia Tech history. Ike Charlton and Anthony Midget started at cornerback for the Hokies, but Whitaker made his presence known. In the national championship game against Florida State, Whitaker showed no fear going against FSU star wideout Peter Warrick and others.
In 2000, he moved into the starting lineup and never left. Over the course of his college career, Whitaker appeared in 47 games for the Hokies, starting 36. He finished his career with seven interceptions, including five in 2001, when he was named a third-team All-American. He was also a two-time All-Big East selection.
Whitaker would move to the NFL in 2003. While he was undrafted, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent. After two seasons with the Bucs, Whitaker would spend a year in NFL Europe, where he’d lead that league in interceptions. In 2006, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings and spent two seasons there. In 2008, he spent part of the year with the Detroit Lions before his release. He also had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
After his playing career, Whitaker coached defensive backs at the high school level and also owned a business, the Whitaker Group, LLC, which specialized in relocation transactions and short sales. Whitaker was active on social media and always supported Virginia Tech.
Whitaker’s feisty play was a trademark of Bud Foster’s defenses. Despite his smaller stature, Whitaker feared no one and often lined up against the opponent’s to receiver.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronyell’s family.
The Hokies and many others remembered Whitaker
