SaberCats welcome back two-time All-Arena WR Huey Whittaker

Tuesday December 11, 2012

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The SaberCats announced today that they have been assigned two-time All-Arena selection wide receiver Huey Whittaker on a one-year contract. The former South Florida Bulls receiver returns to San Jose following a productive 2012 season.

“Being able to bring Huey back for 2013 is something we are very excited about,” said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. “His size and ability were a huge factor for us offensively last season and his addition continues to add quality to an already outstanding receiving corps.”

Whittaker (6-5, 225, South Florida) has played six seasons in the Arena Football League, totaling 470 receptions for 5,482 yards and 115 touchdowns in 62 career regular season games. He posted 69 catches for 828 yards, 17 touchdowns and also added four rushing scores in 12 appearances in 2012 for the SaberCats. He had a breakout performance in the first round playoff loss to the Arizona Rattlers, hauling in nine receptions for 87 yards, four total scores (three receiving) and posted an interception defensively. In addition to his offensive prowess, Whittaker exhibited his versatility on special teams and defense, as he posted 26 total tackles, recovered three fumbles and forced two more throughout the season.

From 2008-2011, Whittaker was one of the most consistent players at his position, averaging 132 catches for 1,533 yards and 32 touchdowns per season. As a member of the Utah Blaze in 2008, Whittaker was named first-team All-Arena. His best statistical season though, was with the Spokane Shock in 2010, notching 144 receptions for 1,653 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Arena honors in the process during their ArenaBowl Championship run. During his six-year AFL career, Whittaker has been a member of the Tampa Bay Storm (2006, 2011), Blaze (2007-08), Shock (2010) and SaberCats (2012).

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, Whittaker has spent time with numerous NFL teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004), Jacksonville Jaguars (2004-05) and the New York Jets (2009).

The Hernando County, Fla. native attended the University of South Florida from 2001-03, starting 21 games for the Bulls and hauled in 117 receptions for 1,447 yards with seven touchdowns. Whittaker transferred to South Florida from Hudson Valley (NY) Community College in 1999.

Huey Whittaker #17
Position: WR
Height: 6-5
Weight: 225 lbs.
Born: June 19, 1981 in Hernando County, Fla.
Hometown: Hernando County, Fla.
Last Team: Tampa Bay Storm (AFL)
College: South Florida
AFL Experience: Six years
Twitter: @HueyWhittaker

Transaction: SaberCats are assigned WR Huey Whittaker on a one-year contract.

ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats, are approaching their 17th Arena Football League season. Fans can log on to thesanjosesabercats.com, call 408-673-3400 and follow the SaberCats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@SJSaberCats) for all of the latest news and information on the team. Please contact the front office at the above phone number for information on 2013 Season Ticket Packages.