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Chat Reel: Ronyell Whitaker

Virginia Tech DB talks trash on field and in chat

Virginia Tech's Ronyell Whitaker says that if his mouth is running, he's usually talking trash to or about a competitor. Doug Pensinger/Allsport

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college football chat with Virginia Tech's Ronyell Whitaker. Welcome Ronyell and thanks for joining us.
Ronyell Whitaker: No problem.

From Bruce Atkins in Gaithersburg, Md.: How are you and the others on defense going to handle the comparisons to the defense of 1999? And is there more pressure on the defense without the guaranteed 40 points on offense?
Ronyell Whitaker: It's no added pressure. My opinion - we'll be better than that defense. And everyone knows they have an assignment to go out and do. No one's trying to be better than previous defenses we've had here.

From Kevin in Lovettsville, Va.: Ronyell, many people are expecting great things from you and the Hokies this year. Virginia Tech has some depth at your position this year. Do you feel that any of the true freshmen like D.J. Walton or DeAngelo Hall will be able to break into the two-deep for this season? Also, what are your personal goals for this year?
Ronyell Whitaker: I'm not sure about the breaking in, it's kind of iffy right now. That's because we have a lot of guys coming back from injuries, so we're stacked right now. But my personal goal is trying to get better each day and dominate as many people as I can.

From Texaspenlifter4l: How do you stay motivated and on top of your game?
Ronyell Whitaker: Talk trash 24-7, plain and simple. I just go out there and yap from beginning to end.

From matthokie: Ronyell, in your opinion, which team on Tech's schedule do you feel has the most dangerous receiving corps? Go Hokies!
Ronyell Whitaker: I'll say Pittsburgh, that's because they have the No. 1 receiver in the country right now -- Antonio Bryant. But he can be shut down too.

From Mark Mercer in Lincoln, Neb.: Are there any wide receivers that you are glad you don't have to cover? For example, Texas WR Roy Williams or Florida WR Jabbar Gaffney?
Ronyell Whitaker: Personally I wish I could go against them, but if I had to pick one I wouldn't want to go against it would be Dre Davis.

From Jason in Chantilly, Va.: Do you face Andre Davis in practice, and does that give you the confidence to succeed while playing in one-on-one situations?
Ronyell Whitaker: Oh yeah, me and Dre go every day in practice and that gets me well-prepared for the games and that's because Dre brings a lot to the table that a lot of other receivers don't -- that's size and speed.

From HokieTT: Ronyell, what do your coaches think about your talking on the field? Deep down, it's got to make them smile, right?
Ronyell Whitaker: Oh they love it! But if they didn't, they'd tell me to shut up. But they haven't. I think they know that's what drives me. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

From Adam in Richmond, Va.: Ronyell, everyone wants to know if you have another year of eligibility to play college ball next year, and if so will you be back in Blacksburg next year. By the way, your performance in the Gator Bowl was spectacular.
Ronyell Whitaker: Thanks, I have two more seasons -- this one and another. And that's it.

From matt: Ronyell, have you come across many players that talk as much trash as you? Who?
Ronyell Whitaker: None -- maybe Peter Warrick and that was in the National Championship game. I was young and he had the national championship. I was kind of nervous. But that's the only reason -- I was a freshman. But it's a little different now.

From bburg: Ronyell, has your uncle (Pernell Whitaker) been an inspiration for your game?
Ronyell Whitaker: Yeah, I see how hard he's worked and I basically try to do the same thing.

From Andrew Rosti in Salem, Va.: Hey Ronyell, are all of the players excited about the stadium changes that are taking place and the new practice facilities? Do you think that Virginia Tech's upcoming schedules are great? Hope you have an awesome season, and I'll see you in Pasadena!
Ronyell Whitaker: Yeah, we'll be there. As long as you're there, we'll be there. But we're excited about the stadium because we're starting look like a big-time Division I football team.

From HokieMule in Falls Church, Va.: Ronyell, you're my wife's favorite player. In fact, she named our cat after you. If we brought a marker and our kitty to a game, would you sign him for us?
Ronyell Whitaker: Yeah, I'll sign it.

From MdHokie: Ronyell, what is the toughest visiting stadium you have had to play in and what made it difficult?
Ronyell Whitaker: I would say West Virginia. That's because the fans are worse than ours are. Our fans let the other team hear it -- really give it to them. But I don't think anyone does it better than West Virginia fans.

From VT: I hear D. Hall is quite the talker for a freshman. Will he be able to surpass your trash-talking skills at some point in his career?
Ronyell Whitaker: Nah. I hear he's a good trash talker, but I think I've been doing it long enough. It depends on what he says. Anybody can get out there and talk, but if you're not saying the right thing then it doesn't matter.

From Barrett Bresnahan in Manassas, Va.: Is there anything special that you or the team would like to see from the fans this year? Is there anything specific that the fans do that really gets you guys going during a game?
Ronyell Whitaker: I would say third down conversion. They get as loud as they can get.

From hokiefan2003: What do you say out there to intimidate the opposition?
Ronyell Whitaker: I just basically talk about their mother, girlfriends, dogs, cats - harsh stuff that will really hit home. You have no room to be nice out there.

From bburg: Ronny, who is the fastest member of the Tech defense?
Ronyell Whitaker: Larry Austin.

From Michael Fullan in Williamsburg, Va.: Ronyell, do you have any pre-game rituals that you go through? Also what kind of music do you listen to before the game to get you pumped up?
Ronyell Whitaker: Pregame rituals--first, I always right down on a piece of paper what I expect to do in the game. Like interceptions or passes that I would try to not allow a receiver to catch and I put in my left shoe. And then I say a prayer with the reverend before we go out of the tunnel. Music - I listen to DMX while we're on the bus on our way to the stadium and while we're getting dressed I listen to the Rocky soundtrack.

From vt91: What players do you feel are ready to step up and make a big impact for the first time?
Ronyell Whitaker: I would say Richard Johnson, Terrell Parham, Grant Noel and Kevin McCadam.

From HokieTT: Hopefully this year when you make a play they'll put a big shot of your mug on the HokieVision Jumbotron. You ready for that kind of fame?
Ronyell Whitaker: I'm always ready. Hopefully I can get an interception and take it to the house. I run my mouth enough so hopefully I'll be ready.

From Absolut: Who do you hang out with off the field?
Ronyell Whitaker: Larry Austin, my running mate when into the draft - Michael Vick.

From Patrick: Are you concerned at all about the QB position?
Ronyell Whitaker: Not really. They're going to come in and feel comfortable, I believe, because they have good athletes around them. I think they'll feel comfortable.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Ronyell Whitaker. Ronyell, thanks for joining us and good luck this season.
Ronyell Whitaker: My pleasure -- thank you.

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