Jerome Whiting took a roundabout way of getting to Slippery Rock University, but it's worked out well for this Penn Hills High School graduate.

Whiting, a 5-foot-9, 240-pound linebacker who was a Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 selection in 2001, accepted a scholarship to Virginia Union University after graduating from Penn Hills.

"Things were not going well at Virginia Union," said Whiting, a three-year starter at Penn Hills. "I just didn't like it there."

After admitting he had made a mistake, Whiting felt the only option was to transfer.

"Slippery Rock had recruited me when I was in high school, so I talked to coach Foster," said Whiting, referring to former offensive coordinator Jay Foster, who left the Rockets to become the head coach at Clarion after the 2005 season. "Fortunately, Slippery Rock was still interested, so I transferred."

Whiting had to sit out one semester after the transfer, but didn't lose eligibility. He saw action in 10 games for Slippery Rock in 2003 and recorded 24 total tackles, including 12 solo stops, one sack, and one forced fumble. He would have started the following season, but an injury put him on the disabled list for the season.

"I had a broken thumb and had to miss the season," said Whiting. "I had surgery and had pins inserted. It was really tough that season sitting on the bench, especially since I was supposed to start. All I could do was run. I couldn't really work out with the team.

"I hated Saturdays. It became the worst day of the week, but I got through it. It made me appreciate all the hard work even more."

Whiting finally moved into the starting lineup last season and was a first-team All-PSAC West Division selection after recording 55 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

"I had something to prove last season after sitting out," said Whiting. "In fact, the whole team had something to prove. We showed everybody we can be a legitimate contender for the PSAC-West title."

Slippery Rock posted a 4-2 record in the West Division, which tied Indiana for third place. The Rockets finished only one game out of first place, as California and Edinboro tied for the West crown with a 5-1 mark.

"Our first goal is to win the West title and we've worked very hard to get ready for the season," said Whiting, who is on schedule to graduate with a degree in safety and environmental management. "It will not be easy, but we are up for the challenge."

Whiting, one of nine returning starters on defense, was joined on the PSAC-West all-star team by junior tackle Cory Lacek, who led the PSAC and ranked second in NCAA Division II with 12 sacks. Also back are all four members of the defensive backfield.

In addition, nine starters return on offense.

"We have a solid nucleus returning on both sides of the ball," said Slippery Rock coach George Mihalek. "Maybe if win a game or two that we're not supposed to win, we may surprise some people."

Mihalek said he has been very pleased with Whiting's development and feels he will be a leader of the Rockets defense.

"Jerome is one of those emotional, fiery type guys there in the middle," said Mihalek.

"He made first-team all conference as a junior. He worked hard during the offseason. I'm expecting a strong senior year from Jerome.

"Our linebacking corps is the strongest part of our defense and he is our leader in the middle."