This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Logan • Between the twins, they'd have thought that one of them would've got a little postseason respect last year.
But when all-conference honors came out, Kevin and Kyle Whimpey, 23, were Utah State's only starting linemen who didn't make the team.
"I mean, it kind of pisses us off, but in a good way," Kevin Whimpey said. "We feel like we can play. I feel like I can play. I'm gonna go out there and see what I can do. If I get an award, then great. If not, whatever."
With Kyle, a senior guard, and Kevin, a junior tackle, on the line, though, Utah State isn't all to worried about who is earning awards. The Whimpeys make the Aggies a better offense — and a better program.
Since transferring from Idaho State in 2011 after serving LDS missions in California, the brothers have made a huge impact in a limited time, coach Matt Wells said. One of their most important jobs — besides keeping Chuckie Keeton off his backside — has been mentoring younger players, such as Tyshon Mosley and Joe Malanga.
"[They show a freshman] how we train, how we run, how we lift, how we study, and don't accept anything but that 18-year-old's very best effort," Wells said. "Those kids, they don't take no for an answer from those little brothers. When you see that kind of stuff, that's when you start building traditions."
The Whimpeys have always been tied to each other, one of the reasons they came to Utah State. They call Logan their home, and they've enjoyed playing there and starting families there.
It wasn't long ago when a full evening meant squabbling over video games. But both have been married over a year, and their activities have taken on a more mature tone. They sometimes go out to dinner with Tyler Larsen and his wife, mixing that in with movies with Eric Schultz or Jamie Markosian.
"Three of us [on the line] are married now," Kevin said. "I mean, it's starting to feel like BYU around here. But we love hanging together."
That could be one of the toughest things about next season: Though there is still hope Kyle could regain a year of eligibility, for now he's still a senior. That means the Whimpeys have one more season playing together, playing for each other.
Kyle said it hasn't hit him yet, and it might not hit him until the very end. A part of him will always believe he and Kevin have one more year together. One more ride.
"It's awesome not just to be on the same team as your brother, but to play on the same unit as your brother," Kyle said. "I love it. I'm gonna give it my all."
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Kevin and Kyle Whimpey
• Highland, Utah, natives who went to Lone Peak High
• Played at Idaho State and served LDS missions before coming to USU
• Both redshirted in 2011 season
• Kyle started 13 games at right guard last season; Kevin started 12 at left tackle