When you run a 10.21 in the 100 meter and are considered the “slow” one in the family, that can be a bit misleading.  But that’s the case for Florida State freshman wide receiver Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield.

That’s because the Orlando native is cousins with former Seminoles wide receiver and future Olympic sprinter Marvin Bracy. As fans know well, Bracy eventually stopped playing football for the Seminoles so he could pursue a career in track, but his cousin is making a name for himself on the gridiron.

The diminutive Whitfield (5-foot-7, 178 pounds) is the leading kick returner for Florida State and had his biggest play to date in last week’s victory over Wake Forest.

Early in the fourth quarter, Whitfield took a kickoff at the three-yard line, found an opening in the middle of the field and eventually burst to the outside. Despite being face masked by the kicker, Whitfield used his elite speed to sprint down the right sideline for the 97-yard touchdown.

It was the type of play that Seminoles fans have been waiting for since they signed the speedster a year ago. However, it was a play he made later in the fourth quarter that should excite Seminoles fans even more. In mop up time, Whitfield took a swing pass from Sean Maguire, picked up a block on the outside and flew down the left sideline for an easy touchdown.

Unfortunately, the touchdown was called back because of a penalty, but the play highlighted what Seminoles fans have to look forward to in the future. The Noles are going to lose Kenny Shaw after the season and very well could see junior Rashad Greene depart, as well. If that’s the case, Whitfield could see his role in the offense expand tremendously.

While he’s not a physical receiver, he could be a matchup nightmare operating out of the slot. After all, you can’t teach 10.21 speed.

Even if it’s the second best time in the family.