West Salem football standout to suit up for the Ducks
Holden Whipple is transferring to U of O from Northern Arizona
Former West Salem High lineman Holden Whipple spent all of last year at Northern Arizona University, where he was given a scholarship to play on the O-line for the Lumberjacks.
But today, Whipple announced he was giving up the scholarship in favor of playing for his dream college in Eugene.
At 6-4 and 300 pounds, Whipple is a nimble physical specimen to behold. He chose the Lumberjacks program after a two-way, all-conference senior year at West Salem. Following his redshirt year in Flagstaff, Holden’s thoughts turned closer to home and he entered the transfer porthole following this year’s spring practice sessions.
He chatted with a handful of suitors—including Portland State and Oregon State. But after some reflection, Holden selected the Ducks—a team he has loved since childhood.
Holden’s dad, Scott, says his son is a “preferred walk-on,” which guarantees a roster spot for him going into fall camp.
“We are excited about his opportunity,” says Scott Whipple, referring to the entire family.
“He had a good visit with the coaching staff, and loved the facility.”
Holden is expected to be an interior lineman—a guard or center—for the Ducks.
“(The line coach) said they need a center,” according to Scott Whipple.
Holden’s old coach, West Salem’s Shawn Stanley, says while he continues to respect the coaching staff and program at Northern Arizona, he understands Whipple’s desire to move to the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium to play for new Oregon Coach Dan Lanning.
“Coach Lanning and his staff are doing incredible things,” admits Stanley.
“Holden could sense that when he visited… and he has dreamed of being a Duck.”
Whipple will officially enroll at the University in July, and begin practicing with the team at that time.
Father Scott Whipple says his son’s low-key announcement via Twitter was by design.
“He was pretty quiet about it (transferring)… after he got the admissions process taken care of, he made the declaration.”
Oregon is getting a difference maker—one who is sacrificing much to live out his dream.
By the way, Holden’s old high school jersey number of 50 is available for Whipple to wear for Oregon.
I am betting he gets that number and impresses everyone during fall camp.
Good luck, young man.