Whatley Presents Challenge

Running QB Baffles Opponents

Will Whatley, the Springdale quarterback, scrambles for a first down on a keeper Sept. 21 during the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ game against Rogers at Mountie Stadium in Rogers.
Will Whatley, the Springdale quarterback, scrambles for a first down on a keeper Sept. 21 during the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ game against Rogers at Mountie Stadium in Rogers.

— Will Whatley knows that most people expect a quarterback to stand in the pocket and look to throw passes downfield to his wide receivers.

But a quarterback shouldn’t run the football unless it’s out of desperation, right?

More than in the past, Springdale High’s coaches have asked Whatley to take the snap and start running with it. The senior rushed for 147 yards yards on 16 carries in last week’s 47-42 loss at Rogers High, and as it’s turned out, he has gained more yards on the ground than through the air through four games this season.

“I’m pretty surprised about that,” Whatley said. “I knew I was going to run, but I didn’t know I was going to get this many at this time.”

Will-ing To Run

Springdale High quarterback Will Whatley has developed into more of a running quarterback this season, and it has become common for him to have more carries than pass attempts in a game. Here is a breakdown of his runs and passes:

Opponent Rushing Yards Passing Yards

Batesville 90 87

Tulsa Central 86 33

Bixby, Okla. minus-41 67

Rogers High 147 70

Totals 282 257

Whatley’s increased role in Springdale’s running game was evident in Springdale’s 35-0 season-opening win over Batesville. The 5-foot-8, 151-pound quarterback completed only 6 of 8 passes for 87 yards, but he rushed 13 times for 90 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Whatley isn’t an option quarterback who’s asked primarily to run the ball, but in three of four games this season he had more carries than pass attempts.

Not surprisingly, the senior has gained more yards rushing (282) than passing (257) heading into Friday’s latest meeting of the Battle of the Bulldogs against rival Fayetteville (2-2) at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.

“I mean, he’s probably never going to be a 200-yards-a-game rusher, but he’s definitely going to pick up first downs for us when we need them,” Springdale coach Shane Patrick said of Whatley.

“Even for a smaller guy, he’s a physical runner. He doesn’t shy away from contact.”

Patrick said he spoke with Whatley in the offseason about wanting the quarterback to be a more willing runner. Whatley was receptive to the idea, and his emergence as a dual threat has taken some of the pressure off Springdale’s running backs.

It has also made things tougher on opposing defenses, who must now focus on stopping Whatley’s runs along with those of explosive tailback Deandre Murray.

“(Patrick) just told me it looks like we’re going to use you as a threat in the run game, and I was like, ‘That’s fine with me,’” Whatley said. “If we throw it, we throw it. It’s kind of neat that we can do both things.”

Whatley showed his running ability last season, but it wasn’t apparent in his statistics because too many sacks brought down his total. He finished with only 92 yards rushing, but Springdale’s offensive line has provided protection and opened up holes for him to run through this season.

Of course, Whatley admitted that he’s still learning when to take a sack instead of trying to make too much happen with his feet, sometimes resulting in bigger losses for the Bulldogs.

“He’s doing a really good job of reading our read run game, where he makes a decision on whether he’s going to keep it or give it to our running backs,” Patrick said. “And I’ve been extremely pleased with the decision making there.

“When it’s his turn, he does a great job running the football.”

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