Devon Marquis Witherspoon, a cornerback for the Illinois Fighting Illini in American football, was born on December 11, 2000. He was recognised as the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in 2022 and was a unanimous All-American.
After graduating from Pine Forest High School, the 2018 Pensacola Defensive Player of the Year (who intercepted seven passes as a senior) committed with Illinois. He participated in 13 games, starting three of them. He intercepted two passes, led the Illini with 13 special teams tackles, and recorded 33 total stops. Witherspoon started 10 games in 2021, with 52 tackles (eight for loss), nine pass breakups, and two interceptions to lead his team. In 2020, he played in seven games and recorded 33 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He rose to the position of top defender on the nation's highest scoring defence in 2022, earning first-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award after intercepting 17 passes, 41 tackles (2.5 for loss) and three interceptions in 12 starts.
Devon Witherspoon at Pine Forest High School
In Pensacola, Florida, Witherspoon attended Pine Forest High School. It wasn't until his junior year of high school that he began playing football. He had 74 tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns as a senior in 2018, which earned him the Pensacola News Journal Defensive Player of the Year award. He made a commitment to play collegiate football at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
Football was a must-see event when Devon Witherspoon, the 2018 PNJ Defensive Player of the Year, was on the pitch. Fans were enthralled by his leadership, charm, and playmaking skills, which enabled Pine Forest to reach a higher level.
He only played for the Eagles during defence and special teams, but his influence and presence were felt throughout the game. He placed sixth in the state with seven interceptions and topped the Pensacola region.
Nevertheless, despite his excellent sense, reliable hands, and powerful agility, he was more than simply a ballhawk. He wasn't afraid to hit, as his 74 tackles show.
Devon Witherspoon at the University of Illinois
Witherspoon had 33 tackles as a true freshman at Illinois in 2019, appearing in all 13 games, starting three of them. He participated in seven of the Illini's eight games as a sophomore in 2020, compiling 33 tackles and two interceptions. His junior year in 2021 saw him participate in and make 10 starts, ending with 52 tackles and one sack. In 2022, Witherspoon went back to Illinois for his junior year, where he finished the campaign as a unanimous All-American.
Last season, he participated in all 13 games, including the Red Box Bowl contest. He recorded 33 tackles, starting three games at cornerback, and led the team with 13 on special teams, including 11 on kickoffs. Since he is just 6-0 and weighs 170 pounds, he was the only true freshman to start a game the previous year, which contributed to the development of his reputation for toughness.
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