Whitington ready for visits

Norco (Calif.) linebacker Damion Whittington saw his season end last weekend in a CIF 2nd round game against a very good Redlands East Valley (Calif.) team. The athlete is now turning his focus to his recruitment and has set up three visits.

Whittington, 6-1, 225 pounds is one of the top 'backers in the state. He finished the regular season with 96 tackles and was well over the 100 tackle mark for the second year in a row with his two playoff games thrown in.

"This year, I got moved around a lot and played in the secondary too," Whittington said. "They wanted to use me to help shut down some of the receivers we went up against so I didn't have as many tackles as I could have because I was playing farther away from the line of scrimmage but I think it was good because it showed my versatility and that's why some schools like me for safety."

Whittington currently has five offers and three trips lined up.

"I'm going to Colorado State (Dec. 7)," Whittington said. "Then I have Fresno State (Dec. 14) and Nevada (Jan 18.). Fresno State still hasn't offered yet but I think they're close and they said they like me a lot. They're recruiting me for weak side 'backer, Colorado State likes me at safety and Nevada wants me as a rover back which is kind of a cross between a safety and linebacker.

"Utah State also just offered and I had an early offer from Northwestern but I haven't heard from them in a long time. Oregon, UCLA and Arizona State are also showing interest.

"The things I'm looking for in a school are a good education, a good environment where I feel comfortable, a coaching staff that I can get along well with and the position they want me to play will play a role as well. I think safety is probably where I project best at."