WORCESTER, Mass. – Senior defensive lineman Benton Whitley, a member of the Holy Cross football team, has been selected as the 2021-2022 winner of the Honorable John P. Cooney Memorial Award. Presented by the Holy Cross Varsity Club in memory of Judge John P. Cooney (Class of 1923), the Cooney Award goes to a senior letterwinner who performed beyond all expectations with courage, loyalty and dedication.

Whitley was a three-time first team All-Patriot League selection for the Crusaders, in addition to being named All-New England and All-ECAC. Over the course of his Holy Cross career, he totaled 111 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 16 sacks while helping the team to three consecutive Patriot League titles.

During Whitley's senior season, he recorded 49 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. He led a Holy Cross defense that ranked first in FCS in total defense, allowing just 254.5 yards per contest.

Off the field, Whitley was a member of Men of Color Athletes and a volunteer with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. He also served as an undergraduate research assistant in the Virology / Immunology Lab.

Complete List of Cooney Award Winners

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