Former Illini Devon Witherspoon Creating a lasting Impression In Seattle

Could Devon Witherspoon Be In Seattle For the Long Haul?

Former Illinois Football defensive back Devon Witherspoon continues to earn high praise from the Seattle Seahawks staff, despite taking a minor dip in production from last season.

It was certainly an eye-opening rookie campaign for the 2023 NFL Draft’s 5th overall pick. Following a thrilling senior season in Champaign for the Illini, Witherspoon came out of the gates hot in Seattle, earning a rare Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie, in addition to being named a finalist for defensive rookie of the year.

However, in his 2nd season in Seattle, Spoon has cooled off a bit statistically thus far, showing his youth at times.

2023 Stats (14 Games Played): 79 Tackles (56 Solo) – 3 sacks – 1 Forced Fumble –  1 INT (Pick-Six).

Current Stats (9 games played so far): 51 Tackles (34 solo) – 1 Forced Fumble

According to Seahawks Head Coach Mike McDonald, Spoon’s dip in production is no cause for alarm whatsoever. In fact, Coach McDonald has high hopes to have #21 making an impact in a day-to-day nature on his roster, for quite some time.

Seahawks HC Mike McDonald on Witherspoon’s Effect in Seattle

During his press conference on Wednesday, coach McDonald spoke impressively about Witherspoon’s impact in Seattle. These statements, of course, were in regard to questions from the media about Devon’s recent statistical decline.

Coach McDonald’s Answer – “I think I understand where the question is coming from, because of probably a lack of stats,” says McDonald. “But, I’ll tell ya what, this guy, you hear about force multipliers on your football team, that is Devon Witherspoon.” I mean, this guy is an elite competitor. He’s a guy that, hopefully he’s leading the charge for us for a long time here.”

McDonald furthermore stated, “We can talk about this at length, but I mean he’s worth a shoutout. He’s so intelligent, he can play all of the Multiple spots. All the energy, we feed off this guy, and how competitive he is. (Devon) Play’s the way we want to play. I mean, you kinda want him to play him everywhere, and so that’s probably my biggest compliment to him. So, it’s trying to figure out how we can play him the best to make him effect the game, and were thinking through that lens. Frankly, it’s nothing that he’s not doing that’s not creating production. You could put it on me, to get him in better spots, so we can go effect the game. But, that’s definitely a focus.”

A shoutout to @DevonWitherspo1. pic.twitter.com/5e9IsbpapD

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 13, 2024

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini!

We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. In addition, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!