Arion Whitt waited for Jeff Monken to finish Army’s final spring team huddle before finding assistant coach Daryl Dixon.
Whitt had some exciting news to share after the Black and Gold game Friday at Michie Stadium. The Fleming Island (Fla.) linebacker told Dixon that he was committing to the Black Knights. Whitt then let Monken know he was joining Army’s 2025 recruiting class.
”The structure and the discipline that are instilled into athletes there is second to none and that really stood out to me,” Whitt said. “Going on the visit here had really just sealed the deal for me and helped me decide.”
Whitt’s decision was clear after talks with current Army senior football players during his visit.
”West Point gives opportunities that most colleges can’t and sets you up to be successful in life if you put in the effort,” Whitt said. “To have that opportunity and play football just sounded like a no-brainer to me.”
Whitt said his recruiting was “really between Army and Navy.” Army and Dixon presented Whitt with his first offer in February. Navy followed a few weeks later in March with an offer. Whitt built a strong connection with Dixon, that was one of the deciding factors.
”Army has many more opportunities for what I want to do in life that what Navy does,” Whitt said. “He’s (Dixon) been very welcoming to me and my family and had broken down what life would be like going there and how it would be after.”
Army is recruiting Whitt, who is 6-foot and 220 pounds, as an inside linebacker, a position that he plays for Fleming Island. Whitt looks forward to being in the middle of the action.
”Army’s defense is very aggressive and is able to stop the run very effectively, which is something I think all linebackers strive to be able to do,” Whitt said.
Whitt’s commitment links him up someone familiar. Fleming Island graduate Joseph Stephens is a freshman cornerback for Army.
”Joe has always spoken very highly of the program and I’m happy to have the opportunity to play with such a good guy,” White said.
