This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Logan • While his teammates were still digesting the lopsided loss to Tennessee inside the visitor's locker room at Neyland Stadium, offensive lineman Kevin Whimpey was sitting at a table in front of a large group of media members, calmly putting the game into perspective.
He didn't deny it was a good old-fashioned butt-whipping, but he kept the focus on the future, expounding on the virtues of painful learning experiences, reminding everyone that the Aggies could still win the Mountain West and promising the loss would be "handled" internally within the confines of the team.
From others, such talk is generally taken as "coachspeak," words that sound good and are meant to ease a disappointing outcome, but perhaps not exactly truthful or realistic.
But Whimpey speaks so earnestly, one comes away believing he knows exactly what he is talking about. It's that passion that makes Whimpey such a key part of the Aggies this year, said coach Matt Wells.
"He epitomizes a lot of what this program is built on," he said. "It's his hard work and effort. He has a blue-collar mentality and he does all of the extra things. He's a football junkie and a solid student and he just cares. His care factor is off the charts."
Whimpey has always cared — it is one of the reasons he has stood out from others during his time at Utah State. Kevin, along with his brother Kyle, were rocks for the Aggies' offensive line and in leadership roles.
Unfortunately, Kyle's season was cut short last year after he tore the patellar tendon in his knee against San Jose State.
In his absence, Kevin assumed more of the leadership role last year and has embraced it again this season as the most experienced player on the Aggies' offensive line.
"I could call him up at 1 a.m. to go over film and he'd do it," said running back Rashad Hall. "You just know he is going to help you, and he'd always be there in the facility at 9 or 10 in the morning on weekends, before camp even started. He just loves to help you."
Whimpey admitted being the leader of the team without his brother alongside him feels odd at times, but Kyle hasn't exactly ditched him totally, either.
"He is still in my ear a lot," Kevin said of his brother. "I don't mind it. He has been there and he sees things that maybe we don't when we are on the field. He is there for me, helping me out."
When it comes to leadership, Whimpey doesn't seem to need much help. The big, thick beard Whimpey is sporting this year makes him look like kind of a wild man, but instead, he acts more like a mother hen, herding the younger players here and there.
"The big thing for me is to get my job done the best way possible," Whimpey said. "I want to be the lead-by-example guy and be the vocal leader for the team. That is what we need."
Whimpey's willingness to do what it takes for his team comes from two areas. It's part of his general nature, but it's also borne out of his thankfulness for being a part of the Aggies.
Whimpey played at Idaho State in 2008, then served a two-year church mission before joining the Aggies to play alongside his brother.
Whimpey still talks about how grateful he is the Aggies gave him a scholarship, making it sound as if he was some sort of charity case. However, most would say the Aggies definitely got their money's worth in Whimpey.
He played in every game at the left tackle spot last year, finishing with 35 knockdowns.
This year, he hopes to keep quarterback Chuckie Keeton unscathed and is doing his best to coach up the young offensive line.
About Kevin Whimpey
Ht/Wt • 6-5/295
Class • Senior
Hometown • Highland
Noteworthy • Played on the defensive side at Idaho State, then moved to the offense when he joined Utah State in 2011. … Gave up just two sacks in 13 games played in the 2012 season. … Has a degree in interdisciplinary studies and is pursuing another in animal, dairy, veterinary medicine. —
Wake Forest at Utah State
O Saturday, 5 p.m.
TV • CBS Sports