South Salem DL Levi Willhite commits to OSU

Saxon senior heads to Corvallis, following in dad’s footsteps

After sitting on the news for just over a week, South Salem’s Levi Willhite has officially announced that he plans to play football next year for the Oregon State Beavers.

Levi Willhite announces football commitment at South Salem High on Wed, Feb. 1. Photos courtesy of South Salem Football and Levi Willhite.

A signing ceremony was held at South Salem Wednesday—where Levi was present along with Tini Tinitali, and Zach Wustigg.  Tinitali and Wustigg—top receivers for South--had announced their commitment to Portland State University over the last three weeks.The 6-4, 275 pound Willhite was second team-all Special District One on the defensive line this year.

Levi’s father Matt Willhite is a two-time Pac-10 heavyweight wrestling champ for Oregon State. He graduated in 1993. He played football his senior year for Coach Jerry Pettibone in Corvallis.  Dad was an all-state football player in the state of Washington as a high schooler.

(L-R): Levi Willhite at Saxon football game; Father Matt Willhite at Reser Stadium.

Levi is active in the Black Student Union at South organized by fellow Beaver, Dwight Roberson.

Levi is interested in Oregon State's Ethnic Studies and French programs. Matt Willhite has a degree in Spanish and his mom, Rebekah—who served as a volunteer team photographer for South Salem this past season—has a degree in Speech Communications.

South quarterback Daschel Smith and wideout Jaxon Watson attended the event as well, but both are still pondering their school options for next fall.