Whyte wearing walking boot as ‘precaution’
RB is expected to serve as Singletary’s top backup next fall.
BOCA RATON — FAU reserve running back and key kick returner Kerrith Whyte is currently in a walking boot after suffering a “minor” Achilles injury, sources told The Post this weekend.
It is not known when Whyte — a rising junior who holds the program record for the longest rushing touchdown (82 yards) and scored the first kickoff-return touchdown in program history — suffered the injury. One source said Whyte is optimistic he will be ready for spring camp and is in the boot “as a precaution.”
A two-star recruit from Seminole Ridge in 2015, Whyte overcame a mixed redshirt freshman season in 2016 to run for 347 yards on 55 attempts (6.3 yards per rush) with two touchdowns this past season. With senior Buddy Howell graduating, Whyte is expected to serve as Devin Singletary’s main backup this fall.
During Lane Kiffin’s first spring camp last year, the Owls lacked depth at key spots, with many players recovering from injuries sustained in the 2016 season or during the offseason. Whyte drew comparisons from Kiffin to All-Pro Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles, for his versatility and speed.
If Whyte is unable to go at the start of spring camp, rising sophomore Tyrek Tisdale and fifth-year senior Gerald Hearns (Dwyer) could see increased touches.
Backup lineman retires: As Kiffin tries to replace three starting offensive linemen, fifth-year senior Matt Murphy will no longer be a part of that competition.
Murphy, who transferred from Buffalo after the 2015 season and was a backup in 11 games this season, announced on Twitter that he is retiring from football and taking a position with the athletic department’s marketing team.
Murphy was expected to compete for a starting job in 2018 as the Owls aim to replace center Antonyo Woods and guards Roman Fernandez and Jakobi Smith. FAU earned a commitment from junior-college center Zack Bennett (Arizona Western) this weekend.
OL coaching hunt: Who will be the Owls’ next offensive line coach? With new Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin not likely to retain him, rumors are still circulating that Garin Justice, who held the role at FAU before taking the same job with the Wildcats in December, could return to Boca Raton.
One source told The Post this weekend that there have been no updates on a reunion between FAU and Justice. Bennett told The Post on Sunday that coaches have hinted to him that the search will be over soon.
“They’re in the process of hiring a new offensive line coach now,” Bennett said. “I just know it’s going to be somebody with experience. ... I just trust Lane Kiffin in who to hire.”
Noteworthy: Kalib Woods caught two passes for 25 yards in Saturday’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Woods, who has an open felony case for alleged battery still pending, will have his next court date (a status check) on Feb. 28, per court records.