Brian Whitaker roams the Westside defensive line, making big plays and contemplating a career that won't take him far from the pigskin.

That's why he's this week's athlete of the week.

The Westside senior isn't intimidated in the least by his math class. "I think AP stats is pretty fun," Whitaker said with a smile."

That kind of response is typical for a student, ranking in the top twnety percent of his class.

Whitaker is on the cusp on an "A" average with his transcript showing an 89.375, and he also has what his coach Shedrick Risper calls an incredible work ethic.

"He's very intense on and off the field," Risper said. "He's a blue collar guy. He works hard. He's a leader the kids look up to him and he leads by example."

Whitaker's serious about his studies but the linebacker is also focused when it comes to the Seminoles.

"I know it sound funny, but football is like my wife. I love it," Whitaker said.

Like a good marriage, Whitaker plans to make his relationship with football a lifetime commitment after college.

"Hopefully something football related as a player in the NFL as a college coach or a high school coach, any kind of coach," Whitaker figured.

"Now if he's considering being a coach I may want to take back my comment about him being smart! No, I think Brian can be whatever he wants to be," Risper said with a grin.

Brian has another really positive role model in his life. His brother Jeff Whitaker plays for Auburn University. As a matter of fact, Tiger coach Gene Chizik singled out the older Whitaker this week saying he's doing a good job.

You may remember Auburn won a national Championship two years ago, so Jeff gets to talk a lot of smack at home. He says if Brian wins state with Westside this year --  they'll call it equal.