#129: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn

Wilhite is an undersized pass defender with excellent foot quickness and speed to cover receivers on deep routes. Even though he gives up considerable height to bigger opponents, he has the leaping ability and body control to compete for the jump balls.

In his three seasons at Auburn, he has broken up 14 passes and intercepted three others. He joined the program in 2005, as the Tigers won a recruiting battle for a player that College Football News rated the best junior college cornerback in the country during his freshman campaign at Butler County College.

Wilhite was an All-Northeast Louisiana first-team and All-District second-team selection during his career at Ouachita High School. He spent three seasons competing as a wide receiver and running back for head coach John Causey.

Upon graduation, he enrolled at Butler County (Kan.) Community College. He red-shirted in 2003, taking over right cornerback chores the following season. In 10 regular season games, he posted 44 tackles (23 solos) with seven pass deflections and ranked among the nation's leaders with a Kansas Jayhawk Football Conference-leading five interceptions. He earned National Junior College All-American team and All-Conference first-team accolades that season.

Wilhite transferred to Auburn in 2005. He took over right cornerback chores for the final seven games of the season, coming up with a career-high 47 tackles (35 solos). He also broke up seven passes and intercepted another. He missed three games in 2006, but started the 10 that he played in, finishing with 24 tackles (20 solos), five pass break-ups and a forced fumble. But, he was hampered by a nagging right hamstring pull and later missed the Cotton Bowl with a right knee meniscus tear.

A left shoulder injury limited Wilhite during 2007 spring camp and lingering hamstring issues limited him to six starting assignments -- two at right cornerback and four at nickel back. He still posted 30 tackles (22 solos) with a sack and a fumble recovery. He also knocked down two passes and intercepted two others.

In 34 games at Auburn, Wilhite started 23 contests. He registered 101 tackles (77 solos) with a 9-yard sack and a quarterback pressure. He recovered and caused one fumble, adding fourteen pass deflections and three interceptions.

From nfl.com