Wilhite Asks for UW Scholarship Release; De-Commited Earlier From Fisch

Keona Wilhite, a Tucson defensive lineman who de-committed from Jedd Fisch and Arizona in October, asked for his University of Washington scholarship release on Sunday, just hours before Fisch was revealed as the Huskies’ new coach.

It’s probably safe to say the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Wilhite from Salpointe Catholic High School wasn’t going to play for Fisch for whatever reason.

He parted ways with the UW on the same day another Arizona player, edge rusher Noah Carter from Peoria’s Centennial High School, requested his release from the Huskies.

“Please respect the decision I have made,” Wilhite posted on social media. “After much discussion and [prayer] with my family, I have decided to de-commit from UW. I want to thank the UW community for all the love and support. With that said, I am officially reopening my recruitment.”

In two years at Salpointe Catholic High, Wilhite accumulated 84 tackles, including 24 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

He committed to the Huskies in late October when Eric Schmidt was still the UW edge-rushers coach and Kalen DeBoer the head coach.

Wilhite signed with the UW in December even though Schmidt was leaving to become the defensive coordinator for San Diego State.

“I love the development program for their edges,” Wilhite said. “Coach Schmidt explained each step to me during my unofficial visit and showed me how they’re able to get such elite edge play. I believe committing to Washington will help me reach my end goal of the NFL.”

Not anymore. After signing with the Huskies over Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon State and UCLA, Wilhite asked out of his scholarship once DeBoer left for Alabama.

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