Height, weight: 5-11, 245

Nikita Whitlock kept offensive opponents up at night, worried about the damage he could do.

Despite being undersized for an interior lineman, Whitlock was constantly disrupting offenses by penetrating into backfields. In a flash, he could be in a quarterback's face. Or he could greet a running back as soon as he took a handoff.

It didn't matter how big the opponent was or how often teams tried to block him with double-teams, Whitlock always found a way. Instead of allowing opponents to take advantage of his lack of bulk, he made the most of his size.

Often if he didn't make the tackle, the havoc he created helped a teammate make the play.

His play was infectious. If his helmet came off, Whitlock would stay locked on to the ball carrier.

Whitlock's presence and production were major factors in Wylie's advancement to the Class 5A Division II state final. After finishing third in a highly competitive District 8-5A, Whitlock and his teammates turned their intensity even higher in the playoffs.

Playing at the primary point of attack, Whitlock led the way in containing high-power offenses such as Cedar Hill, Arlington Bowie and Copperas Cove in the postseason.

Whitlock's quickness and tenacity made him a terror on special teams, as well. He scored twice on blocked punts, only adding to his reputation.

About Whitlock: AP Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. Recorded 94 tackles (25 for losses). Credited with 16 quarterback hurries and one pass break-up. Caused four fumbles and recovered one.

Did you know? Whitlock's first name was going to be Sergio, but his grandmother didn't like it. As a joke, his father flipped through the pages of a phone book and called out the first name he found: Nikita. Grandma liked the sound of it, and it stuck.