National Football League

Detroit Lions LB Tahir Whitehead: 'I like being on the field'

Published Jun. 8, 2015 2:02 p.m. ET

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Through his first two NFL seasons, Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead didn't start a single game. Then, in 2014, the former fifth-round pick out of Temple started 15 of 16 games at middle linebacker, racking up 91 tackles and two interceptions in his breakout campaign.

After savoring special teams reps for so long, Whitehead is finally enjoying his time in Detroit's defensive plans, according to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.

"I like being on the field," Whitehead told the Free Press. "Wherever I am, I just want to help my team as much as possible. I'm comfortable with being on the line of scrimmage, being as I did play that same position in college; we played on the D-front on the defense. So playing on the line of scrimmage, that same, definitely I'm comfortable with."

Whitehead was filling in for an injured Stephen Tulloch in the middle last year. Normally, he's a strong-side linebacker. With Tulloch making a comeback and DeAndre Levy manning the weak side of the formation, Whitehead could return to his old position. He has added weight in preparation.

"I got up to 245 this off-season," Whitehead said, per the Detroit Free Press. "Tried to bulk up a bit, being as though I'm going to be back on the line of scrimmage playing Sam. Just try to be more stout in the run. I'm not saying I was terrible last year, but I'm my biggest critic and I feel like I could have been better."

Versatility is a valuable asset, though, and Whitehead's likely to use his in any way he can.

(h/t Detroit Free Press)

Photo Credit: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports