NHS Two-way Tackle Drew Lots Of Interest

Mike Whelan was a highly-recruited football player, drawing recruiters from Division 1 colleges and universities. 

A Natick High senior, Whelan is a 6-foot-5, 270-pound two-way tackle who had scholarships offers to attend five Division 1 colleges — Lehigh, Bryant, Stonehill, Buffalo, and Merrimack. Assumption, a Division 2 school, was also in the mix.

As high school football teams prepare for pre-season practice later this month, Whelan no longer is focused on where he would spend his next four years playing football. The University of Buffalo was at the top of his list and maintained that position in June when Whelan chose the Bulls.

“I attended Buffalo’s camp in June and decided to accept their scholarship offer,’’ Whelan said. “They have a really good program, going 9-5 last year and winning the Bahamas Bowl. It’s an established program and it’s viewed as the best up-and-coming team in the East.’’

Several factors make Whelan a top-notch prospect. 

The 17-year-old native of Natick has played two varsity seasons and he’s been a Bay State Conference all-star both times. At defensive tackle as a junior last year, he had 40 tackles and 4 sacks, helping the Redhawks compile a 9-2 record.

Whelan not only has a high compete level in football, he’s just as intense on a wrestling mat. He’s been a three-time BSC all-star as a heavyweight and he compiled a 57-3 record last year. During the wrestling post-season, he finished second at the Division 1 West-Central Sectional and third at the state tourney. 

Leadership is an attribute he embraces. A good student, he’ll be a captain in both football and wrestling in the year ahead.

Natick’s head football coach, Mark Mortarelli, knows the important contributions Whelan makes and is acutely aware of his value on both sides of the ball.

“Mike has not only been a Bay State Conference all-star since his sophomore year, but he’ll also be one of the best two-way linemen in the state,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’s powerful and explosive and plays with a terrific motor. It is almost impossible to block him with one 

player. His record as a wrestler is a testament to his winning mentality.’’

Whelan’s other key attributes include size, strength, athleticism, quickness, technical skills and a team-first attitude. When asked about his football IQ, he modestly says: “It’s still developing.’’

There are other hints that point to why Whelan will be a solid addition to Buffalo.

His competitive philosophy is a blend of winning, reaching his potential and having fun. But, he emphasizes that “I want to win; it’s my top priority.’’

His style borders on being an aggressive player but he focuses “on doing what’s asked and rising to the occasion when the time comes.’’

The best game of his career came in his first varsity year. As a sophomore, he registered 12 tackles and 3 sacks in a seven-point loss to Wellesley. “I weighed close to 300 pounds but I was able to control my weight and play effectively,’’ he noted.

Whelan’s team goals for his final interscholastic season put an exclamation point on his approach to athletics. 

“I want to qualify for the playoffs, win a tourney game and advance,’’ he said. “I want to beat Needham because we’ve lost to them the last three years. Winning the Carey Division is my third objective and I also want to beat arch-rival Framingham. Another goal is to be the best public high school team in the state.’’

Whelan’s individual goals are telling. They reveal an insatiable desire to compete at a high level.

“I’ll strive to be a three-time league all-star and to be the best captain I can be,’’ he offered. “And, I’ll continue to work hard.’’

Whelan started playing football at the age of seven in Natick’s Pop Warner program. As he blossomed into a two-way tackle, he finds delight in playing offense and defense. 

“I like playing wherever I’m needed,’’ he said. “On offense, there’s a real connection with the other guys in the line. We know each others’ strengths and weaknesses. There’s a bond. On defense, there’s more physical contact. I like the one-on-one matchup and I love getting sacks.’’ 

Whelan is one of five senior Redhawks who are captains. He leads by example but he can be vocal if the need arises. As for the rest of the leadership team, he has a high regard for their skills and ability to lead. The other captains are Jim Mortarelli (running back/linebacker), Jesse Gagliardi (quarterback), Jonathan Chase (center) and Jack Showsted (running back/safety).

“They’re all top-quality leaders,’’ Whelan noted. “Jim is the smartest competitor I know and Jesse knows how to rise to the occasion. Jonathan has a very strong presence and Jack is quiet but performs above and beyond.’’

Coaches also get high marks from Whelan. 

“Coach Mortarelli is a great motivator who gets the best out of his players,’’ Whelan said. “He knows how to be a head coach and he also knows how to be a mentor. Coach (Tom) Lamb teaches players how to be a locker-room presence and he’s all about what a good man should be. I want to win for both of them because they’re passionate about football.’’

Whelan’s role models are his mom and dad (Tracy and William) who’ve been encouraging and supportive. His favorite pro athlete is former Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski. “Success hasn’t changed him,’’ Whelan said. “He remains down to earth.’’

Buffalo’s coaches will quickly discover how mature Whelan is if he talks about the life lessons he’s learned from athletics.

“Sports have helped me to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ he emphasized. “I’ve also learned how to be a good teammate and an effective leader. Most importantly,  however, athletics teach how to accept responsibility and to be accountable.’’

Whelan’s summer has been a time for him to sharpen his strength and conditioning and his skills. “I participated in our strength and conditioning program, went to camps at Buffalo and Merrimack, and worked out with a trainer,’’ he said. “I want to be ready for our pre-season workouts.’’

And, he wants to be ready for Natick’s opener on Sept. 5, a home game against Newton North at 6 pm. He knows that a strong work ethic gets results. 

Whalen could be the poster child for hard work and commitment. He’s dedicated and devoted to whatever sport he’s involved with and he shows that he’s a classy student-athlete by participating as a classroom tutor for middle school students at Wilson Junior High. “We basically advise middle school kids,’’ he said.

Mike Whalen is the total package and his actions and ability are major reasons why five Division 1 colleges were eager to recruit him.