NASHVILLE, TN — Lelan Wilhoite transfers from 1A school to 6A school in hopes of winning a second state title.
Lelan Wilhoite had star written all over him since he first touched a football as a child. Now he is officially a “Star” because of his transfer to Class 6A Siegal High School whose nickname is Stars.
Wilhoite, a member of the prestigious National Playmakers Academy (NPA), made a name for himself starting as a freshman for Class 1A Nashville Christian School (NCS). As a sophomore, he helped NCS win a state championship. His prowess at NCS and at NPA have earned him a three-star ranking among players in the country. NPA President Buck Fitzgerald is excited for his star pupil’s opportunity on a bigger stage.
“The kid’s work effort is second to none,” said Fitzgerald. “He is a leader and is one of the best we have to come through. Siegal is going to love him. He excels with everything he does. He is a leader at home, at church, in the community and on the field. Sky’s the limit for him.”
Wilhoite has football in his blood. His father Larry starred at Fisk University and his nephew. Larry Wilhoite III currently plays at Tennessee State University. Wilhoite rushed for over 1,000 yards his sophomore and junior seasons at NCS. Most guys don’t jump five classes and succeed. Wilhoite takes the level of competition in stride.
“I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Wilhoite. “Playing for Siegal is going to be a challenge because the competition has increased. Every week will be a challenge. I played with and against a lot of the 6A guys at NPA. At the end of the day it’s football. I am ready for the challenge.”
Already, Wilhoite has colleges blowing his phone up from across the country. Central Michigan and Purdue University are on the top of his list. Ivy League school Cornell University has also offered, which shows how much he excels in the classroom. A sleeper in the mix? Well, let’s just say a local school that his nephew plays on is not out of the question.
“My family and I are weighing our options. Cornell was a huge offer. I like all of the schools. TSU is a special place for me. I have been to games since I was a kid. To play in front of family and friends is tempting. We will see what happens,” added Wilhoite.
