CROWELLS CROSSROADS — One Pirates’ trash turned out to be a Vikings’ treasure. Not that East Carolina University considered Southeast Halifax senior Keitha Whitaker trash, but instead of being a part-time Pirate, Whitaker decided to become a full-time Viking.

Southeast Halifax senior Keitha Whitaker, center, signed a national letter of intent to play football at Elizabeth City State University this fall. Shown counter clockwise: James Whitaker, grandfather; Melinda Harris, assistant principal; Richard Byrd, head football coach; Cynthia Seabrook, coordinator of high school reform; Thomas Smith, athletic director; Magnolia Pittman, great aunt; and Rosetta Lawrence, great grandmother. Jonas Pope IV | Daily Herald Advertisement

Wednesday on the campus of Southeast Halifax, Whitaker signed his national letter of intent to play football this fall at Elizabeth City State University. Whitaker was offered a partial scholarship from ECU, but instead decided to take the full ride from ECSU, the Division II school located in Elizabeth City. Whitaker capped off a stellar career with the Trojans and now is ready to take his game to the next level.

“It’s kind of overwhelming,” an excited Whitaker said. “It seems like all the hard work is finally paying off. I just give all the credit to God for giving me the ability. I’m ready to step foot in the door and make Halifax County proud.”

Whitaker was almost on his way to Greenville until another recruit picked the Pirates at the last minute. From there Whitaker started looking at other options and choose ECSU over North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T. Whitaker, or “Hitman” as he was referred to by the Southeast Halifax P.A. announcer, was a stud at linebacker the past three years for the Trojans. He was a three-time Daily Herald All-Area football team selection and was the 2007 Daily Herald Defensive Player of the Year. Over the past two seasons the 5 foot 11 tackling machine made plays all over the field from his linebacker spot, but will have to make the switch to free safety when he suits up for the Vikings this fall. ‘The Hitman’ is ready for the challenge.

“I’m going to have to match up against 6 foot 3 tight ends,” Whitaker said. “So I’m going to have to work on my upper body. They want me to keep getting stronger. I was kind of (skeptical) of the move at first, but I feel as if I’m a defensive player ... I can make plays all around the ball. I’m good at reading offenses. It’s going to be a challenge but I’m ready to step to the challenge with a fight.”

Anyone who has had to play the Trojans the last three seasons knows about Whitaker’s ability on defense. The speedy linebacker made over 100 tackles the last two seasons for Head coach Richard Byrd and that will surely be missed, but Byrd said Whitaker’s influence off the playing field will also be hard to replace.

“These two years with him have been outstanding,” Byrd said. “He is a leader. He’s athletically and academically gifted. He is a leader by example, he makes other kids play harder, and does all the things that make him better. I think he loved practice as much as he loves the games. He deserves every bit of this. I feel honored that I got the chance to coach him for the past two years.”

Whitaker said it has been a goal of his to play football on the collegiate level dating all the way back to his days with the Enfield Warriors and then coach Michael Hopkins who always said he saw the potential for Whitaker to play at the next level. From then on Whitaker knew all he had to do was put in the work. “I’ve always set (my goals) at the highest level,” Whitaker said. “And that was to get a shot to play college football. After years of playing and getting a passion for the game, I realized that was what I wanted to do.”

Every sense he made his decision to attend ECSU, Whitaker said he has received a lot of congratulations from his peers and it was then that he realized that people around him were taking notice of what he had accomplished and now he hopes he can pave the way for future Trojans.

“People from Halifax County really don’t get that big shot,” Whitaker explained. “I really thank God that this opportunity was giving to me. I’m glad that I got a chance to set an example for the younger guys so that they can see with hard work, dedication and academics you can get a shot.”

Whitaker said he plans to study Pre-Business Law at ECSU.

Byrd said with Whitaker’s skill and work ethic, a few years down the road other schools in North Carolina are going to realize what they missed out on.

“In my heart I know in a couple of years East Carolina is going to be wishing they kept him. In four years he will be one of the top players in the CIAA.”