Former Gators WR Whittemore aims to carry on legacy of father
Thirty years ago, UCF wide receiver Mark Whittemore was suiting up on Saturdays to catch passes from Knights quarterback Darin Hinshaw at the FCS level.
This year Whittemore’s son, Trent, will be playing the same position at UCF while Hinshaw will be calling the plays during the program’s inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference.
“I’ve watched some old film of my dad playing and it was obviously a school that was close to my family’s heart and their success,” Trent Whittemore said. “I always knew what was going on with UCF football.
“I didn’t end up here out of high school but I’m really excited that I’m here now and be a part of the move into the Big 12.”
Attending Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Trent Whittemore stayed local for college, spending 4 years at the University of Florida.
“I just felt like Florida out of high school was the best spot for me and it was a great time,” he said. “I earned my degree and I’m an alum now. [I have] no regrets about that decision and really enjoyed my time there.
“It’s cool that I’m able to also spend some time here. Both places mean a lot to my family so I’m thrilled.”
Whittemore made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Nov. 14 and it took nearly two months for him to decide on his next school.
“The recruiting process was a long month and a half,” he said. “I’m really glad that I ended up settling here.”
Beyond the connection he already had with UCF thanks to his father, Whittemore was previously recruited by coach Gus Malzahn, who also worked to land Trent’s younger brother Creed Whittemore, a 4-star receiver at Buchholz who signed with Mississippi State in December.
“My family has always spoken really highly of him,” Trent said about Malzahn. “I was able to experience that through the recruiting process as well.”
At Florida in 2021, the 6-foot-4, 211-pound wideout started in 8 of his 10 games played while catching 19 passes for 210 yards and 1 touchdown.
This past season, however,
Whittemore saw his role diminish, playing in just seven games with 4 catches for 87 yards.
Whittemore, who described himself as versatile, comes to UCF with two years of eligibility remaining.
“I’m a guy who can be really consistent and move all around the field,” he said. “I can be plugged into what the need is.”
He’s looking forward to helping the Knights make their mark during their first season in the Big 12.
“The team is, in a way, starting fresh in a new conference, so that will really bring us together and we’re looking to make a splash,” Whittemore said.
Of course, he’ll be thinking about what his father accomplished in Orlando, too.
“He made so many friends and relationships here and performed really well on the field,” Whittemore said. “He’s very excited that one of his sons gets to come and try to carry on that legacy. It’s an honor for me.”