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Jeff Blake/jblake@thestate.com/The State
C.C. Whitlock
GoGamecocks.com
Practice report: Whitlock on move to defense
Posted on 09.25.08
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survey:
How many points will USC score against UAB?
News of the day
When C.C. Whitlock was told to meet with the coaches Monday, he knew it was one of two possibilities: He was either becoming a two-way player, which he did in high school, or shifting to defense.
While it ended up being the latter, the freshman is not giving up on playing both sides of the ball, which he said was “sort of” a goal of his.
“I like for the ball to be in my hands, so I guess I just have to go make plays on defense, catch a couple interceptions or whatever,” Whitlock said.
Whitlock is now a cornerback, after not catching a pass in four games for USC. He was the intended receiver on an incomplete fourth-down play that ended USC’s hopes in a 14-7 loss to Georgia.
The move was a surprise, considering coaches had compared him to star receiver Kenny McKinkley. Although coach Steve Spurrier called the shift “permanent right now” on Tuesday, Whitlock thinks the door remains open.
“It might be permanent, but next year I might be playing a little bit of both, a little bit of offense and defense with McKinley leaving.”
Starting safety Chris Culliver was moved from the offense before this season. He said he welcomed Whitlock to the secondary.
“He’s real fluent at it. I’m glad that he made the move. He didn’t play any on offense, so why not try something he tried in high school.”
Stock rising
Receivers Joe Hills and Jason Barnes, tight end Larry Freeman and left tackle Quintin Richardson were singled out for praise by Spurrier. Tailbacks Eric Baker and Brian Maddox, who will play Saturday in place of the suspended Mike Davis, also drew plaudits.
Stock falling
Free safety Mark Barnes continues to slip down the depth chart. The redshirt freshman, who is still listed as Culliver’s backup, worked with the scout team Wednesday.
Injury report
McKinley (hamstring) is out for the Alabama-Birmingham game. No other major injuries have been reported.
Quote of the day
“I don’t know, that’s a good one to ask coach.” — Quarterback Chris Smelley, when asked to identify the main reason why there aren’t many deep passes.
Extra point
UAB coach Neil Calloway (a former Georgia assistant) is none too happy Spurrier picked this game for Mike Davis, Jordin Lindsey and others to serve academic suspensions.
“I guess it’s good for us and shows you they don’t respect us very much if they’re not going to play him. That definitely ought to send a message to what they think and how they think,” Calloway said Monday in a news conference.
Spurrier brushed off the comment.
“We had to pick one game. Which one did you want me to pick?” Spurrier said. “Ask him which one he wanted us to pick.”
— Seth Emerson
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