Injury alters players' senior year

MATTHEWS, N.C. – After a devastating injury, can one of the most talented teams veteran college coaches have ever seen still reach their goals?

Butler High School is trying to find out, after safety Eddie Whitley suffered a knee injury this summer.

Butler football has its own, distinct rhythm. And its own trio of stars. See one, you likely see the other, but not before it’s too late.

The coaches at Michigan couldn't believe it. Three teammates, all seniors, all friends performing so well at summer camp, the Wolverines wanted them all.

"They started offering us in packages, you know three-man deals and stuff,” said Robert Blanton. “So that was great to know that we were all wanted back there"

Other big-time programs saw the game tape and followed suit: from Clemson and Virginia Tech to Notre Dame.

The plan was simple: Toss aside all obstacles and lead Butler to a state title, then graduate to the big time on TV on Saturdays.

All that changed during a 7-on-7 drill this summer.

Eddie Whitley said, “It was devastating, you know. I mean as all football players I started crying just because I miss my teammates, and I can't play with them my senior year.”

Doctors told safety Eddie Whitley he'd torn ligaments in his knee.

The doctor was right. All the plans Whitley had for his senior season, they were upside down.

“I can't really separate myself from football,” Whitley said. “I mean I've been playing since I was 7. I mean I just love the smell of the grass and the fall and the summertime.”

The magic of Friday nights on the football field changed, the moment they all realized Eddie's senior season was lost.

Spencer Adams said, “It definitely makes me appreciate the game, and it definitely makes me know that it is a fragile sport. It definitely makes me know that you have to do what you have to do in school because you never know when you might get hurt.”

Trying to fill Eddie's void on the field isn't enough. Robert Blanton and Spencer Adams have taken a leadership role on the Butler Dream Team.

“You'll be able to test out different ways to get to your classes,” Adams told a freshman as he guided a group on a recent tour of the school.

Helping incoming freshman cope with the jump to high school is a beginning. Lending a hand to underprivileged children serves as the ultimate goal.

“I plan on being a difference maker throughout life, from college to the NFL,” said Blanton.

Eddie Whitley's leadership lives on in a different form, teaching younger players the hard lessons he knows so well.

“I'm looking at the kids that haven't played yet,” Whitley said. “I know they'll do their job right. I’m just gonna look at the other ones and make sure they'll do their jobs right before we get to the big competition.”