Former Trinity Episcopal star Michael Whitley has taken home top honors as the quarterback for Lakeland University, but he is ready to step up his game during his senior season.

Whitley has twice been named the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Year, including passing for 2,657 yards and 22 touchdowns last year.

“All the coaches have been telling me that I can take the program to the next level,” Whitley said. “I’m really excited. I’m ready to become a better leader.”

On the top of his list for the upcoming season, Whitley said he is eager to direct his team deeper into the Division III playoffs. During both his sophomore and junior years, Lakeland lost in the first round.

Whitley said the key to reaching his goal is for his team to stay on the same page.

“I have some good receivers coming back, and my offensive line looks good,” he said. “It’s huge to have guys that know what’s going on and have been around. They can pick me up if I’m having a bad game and can lead, too. I don’t have to be the main guy all the time.”

If Whitley needs to work on one thing, he said one of his core focuses this year is to improve his overall skillset.

“I usually get better over the course of the season,” he said. “If I can start fast, I can do better and be more consistent. We will be able to ride that wave every week.”

While he still sees room for improvement, Whitley loves to share what he has already learned with those around him.

The Vidalia-native said after finishing up a summer class within the next week, he plans to be back in the Miss-Lou for the remainder of his time before returning north for the fall.

“I’ll be around,” he said. “I want to help out the younger guys in the area. We have a lot who play (in college,) but I want even more kids to play. My main goal is to show kids you can play college football, and this is where you could be. You just have to work at it.”

Whitley’s charisma has already paid off, too, after Vidalia High School’s Jordan Mays confirmed his plans to join the signal-caller at Lakeland this past February.

“I have a good relationship with him,” Whitley said. “Some people don’t know how tough college is. You’re on your own sometimes, so it’s definitely awesome to have someone you know.”

Whitley said if he finds a way to organize it, he wants to continue spreading his football knowledge during a summer camp at the end of June. While he isn’t quite sure if he will follow through, he said he will have a better plan once he returns to town.

“I think our community needs something good,” Whitley said. “It will take more than me just planning it by myself, though. I want to get other (local) college athletes to teach their positions.”

Whatever is in store for Whitley’s future, he said he is up for the challenge.

“I just want to work on the little things now,” he said. “This is the year for me.”