Warriors get junior college quarterback

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the most productive quarterbacks in junior college football has accepted a scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Jason Whieldon of Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, Calif., will sign a national letter of intent Dec. 19, the first day junior-college players may put their commitments in writing, and enroll at UH in January.

"Hawai'i has a great program and they run a great offense," said Whieldon, who will have three years to play two seasons. "It's an intriguing place for a quarterback."

In nine games this season, Whieldon threw for 2,333 yards and 16 touchdowns and was named to the Mission Conference all-star team. He passed for a school-record 470 yards against Long Beach City College.

He is third in the Community College League of California in total offense, averaging 291.4 yards per game. There are 67 Community College League of California football teams.

Whieldon, 6 feet 1 and 190 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.68 seconds and bench press 260 pounds.

"He's a very accurate passer," Saddleback coach Mark McElroy said, noting Whieldon completed 60 percent of his passes this season. "He can put the ball on the money. He's a leader, and the other players love to play for him."

UH recruited Whieldon two years ago, when he threw for 40 touchdowns as an Orange (Calif.) Lutheran High senior. "It didn't work out then," said Whieldon, who was named the 1999 Orange County Player of the Year.

He has flourished in Saddleback's offense, which, like UH's run-and-shoot, employs four wide receivers.

Last month, Whieldon watched the ESPN telecast of UH's 38-34 victory over Fresno State. His best friend plays for Fresno State, but Whieldon came away impressed with the Warriors.

"It was an awesome game," he said. "All of their games are really exciting. They play with so much heart."

Soon after, the Warriors called.

"I thought we had a good relationship," Whieldon said. "I think the world of (UH quarterbacks coach) Dan Morrison, and Coach (June) Jones runs a great offense."

Whieldon said he plans to major in business administration. He scored 1,100 on the SAT, and had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.8 at Saddleback.

"He's a very solid person," McElroy said. "He's very humble, but extremely competitive. He'll be a great addition at Hawai'i."