A Returning Bulldog Receiver is Flying Under the Radar

Creed Whittemore is eager to make his mark in a talented and competitive wide receiver group.

With significant changes on the horizon in college football, emotions like nervousness and excitement are common. Mississippi State is just weeks away from ushering in the Jeff Lebby era in Starkville.

Thanks to the previous offensive success of former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lebby, there’s a renewed enthusiasm surrounding the offense, especially among the wide receivers, who have seen a lot of positive developments. These players will have opportunities to shine, especially since Chad Bumphis, a former Bulldog, will continue as their coach.

Bumphis has recruited a trio of promising high school athletes and transfer portal players who are generating buzz, but there’s also a solid group of returning talent. Whittemore managed to fly under the radar last year despite starting off strong.

“Other names are being mentioned, but don’t overlook Creed; he’s a player,” Bumphis said.

The Gainesville, Fla. native made a significant impact in his debut against Southeastern Louisiana, racking up 116 yards and two touchdowns. However, he couldn’t replicate that success throughout the rest of the season, even though he participated in all 12 games.

While Whittemore didn’t get the same chances again, he stayed positive.

“I was just grateful for the opportunity in that first game; I appreciated being on the plane and bus to games since many players either redshirt or don’t travel,” Whittemore said. “I wasn’t frustrated; I was just thankful.”

Focusing on improvement rather than past missed opportunities, Whittemore has caught the attention of his coach.

“He has improved in every area,” Bumphis noted. “Creed came in very mature, even though he hadn’t played wide receiver before, and he’s getting better with every rep.”

Although the talented receiver was a quarterback at F.W. Buchholz High School, he showcased impressive skills. In his senior year, he threw for 2,963 yards and 35 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,285 yards and 17 touchdowns.

This versatility has continued to shine in college. While he may not be taking snaps under center anymore, he contributes in many roles.

In practice, Whittemore runs routes, catches and returns punts, and acts as a holder for the kickoff team. He prides himself on being a “jack of all trades.”

“I aim to be a utility player,” Whittemore said. “I feel I can contribute in various ways, whether that’s holding kicks, returning punts, or covering on special teams—whatever the team needs.”

Thanks to his versatility, the sophomore will see the field regardless of his primary position as a receiver. He’s determined to carve out a spot in the rotation despite stiff competition in the receiving room.

Whittemore possesses the necessary physical attributes, including speed, hands, agility, and maturity, but he wants to earn his new coach’s trust.

“You have to be the one putting in the work every day. That’s how I try to stand out,” he said. “Coach Lebby always says he wants to play the guys he trusts, and I want to be one of those players.”

Bumphis has praised Whittemore’s maturity, highlighting the difference in this receivers group compared to others, as they share a strong bond and good leadership.

“I think we are very close; everybody is tight-knit,” Whittemore said. “We all love, care, and play for each other. Obviously, we have talent, but everyone does, so I think that is where we separate ourselves.”