Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Liberty’s Damahny Whittle commits to Northern Arizona

Coronado vs. Liberty

STEPHEN SYLVANIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Liberty Patriots punter Damahny Whittle (18) evades Coronado offensive tackle Drew Harris (62) while carrying the ball on a fake-punt attempt that yielded a first down during a game at Liberty High School on Friday, Sept. 13, 2014.

Liberty High defender Damahny Whittle has verbally committed to play college football at Northern Arizona University.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety signed his letter of intent on Sunday to join the Lumberjacks.

“It’s hard to explain,” Whittle said. “It was such a joyous moment for me with my mom. She was with me on my official visit up there and we had an amazing time.”

Whittle was already familiar with NAU’s campus in Flagstaff because Liberty held summer camps there, and he said after his official visit that it was an easy decision.

“I always enjoyed myself up there,” Whittle said. “On my visit, they answered every question that I could possibly have and I felt really comfortable signing the papers and making everything official.”

Whittle played both safety and linebacker for Liberty, anchoring one of the best defenses in the state. The Patriots allowed only 17.8 points per game during the regular season. Whittle was also a punter for the Patriots.

“I’m so happy for him,” said Liberty coach Rich Muraco. “He was one of our best players on our team this year and I felt bad for him because he was injured during his sophomore and junior year. For him to come away and get a Division I offer is a big thing, and I know he’s going to do great at the next level.”

He and the Patriots went a combined 23-4 over the past two seasons, both ending in appearances in the state championship game.

“Liberty is like family to me,” Whittle said. “It was a wonderful time and I wouldn’t change anything. It was a time that I really enjoyed with my team and my family.”

Whittle said NAU runs a defense similar to that of Liberty, and he expects to play a similar linebacker-safety hybrid position there as well.

“If I put myself to work and make myself available to learn everything, then I can accomplish anything,” Whittle said. “The drive that I have is my best asset.”

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