Whitlock embraces chance at pro career

C.C. Whitlock’s children have seen him play football. They even watched the NFL Draft with him on Saturday.

They’re too young, however, to understand the magnitude of the phone call the former South Carolina cornerback received from the Minnesota Vikings about 15 minutes after the draft ended.

The kids, ages 1, 3 and 4, are more aware that Whitlock is graduating this weekend.

“They’re excited about coming to my graduation,” Whitlock said Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to seeing their facial expressions on Saturday morning.”

Whitlock closes one chapter in his life and begins another this week as he graduates from USC with a degree in sociology and gets a shot at professional football.

He signed a free agent deal with the Vikings and travels to Minnesota on Thursday for meetings and to meet coaches. He’ll practice at the team’s minicamp on Friday before flying back late that night in time for graduation the following morning.

Saturday’s phone call was the first contact he had with the Vikings.

“It was a very exciting feeling,” Whitlock said. “I was waiting, waiting and waiting, and I ended up getting a phone call. I just wanted a chance to be able to show a team what I am capable of doing.”

At South Carolina, Whitlock had his most productive year in tackles (21) as a junior and in interceptions (three) as a senior.

After not getting an invite to the NFL combine, he and other former teammates stayed in Columbia to work out at Williams-Brice Stadium and prepare for USC’s pro day. Whitlock also used the time to complete two final classes.

“We knew we didn’t have the same opportunity as the guys who went to the combine,” he said, “so we had to prove ourselves that we were the same type of guys that we can do the same things they can do.”

Whitlock joins five other teammates in getting a free-agent opportunity: Terrence Campbell (Redskins); Jason Barnes (Chargers); Marty Markett (Falcons); Kyle Nunn (Jets); and Jay Wooten (Jaguars).

Former teammate Jasper Brinkley, entering his third season with the Vikings, had this advice for Whitlock: “Bring your coat.” Whitlock isn’t buying heavy winter outfits just yet.

“It’s not that I have a job yet, but they told me they like me,” Whitlock said. “I’m getting a small signing bonus. I’m pretty much on the team now but I have to go in there and show them what I’m capable of doing.”

Whitlock said his children motivated him to stay on track and do what’s best for his family. He estimates it will be another year or two before they comprehend anything about pro football.

“They still just know Cocky. They’re looking forward to seeing Cocky next season,” Whitlock said. “They’re not worried about the NFL right now.”

This story was originally published May 2, 2012 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Whitlock embraces chance at pro career."