Whitley shines at Shrine Bowl

SPARTANBURG, S.C.-Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond County running back Norman Whitley has been impressive during the week of practice leading up to Saturday's 69th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

The 5-foot-8, 175-pounder has shown tremendous toughness and balance during the week while sharing time with Cary running back Josh Adams. Whitley likely will get the start when he and his North Carolina teammates take on the all-star team froom South Carolina at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College.

"It's been going real good for me," he said. "I came down here with my mind set on showing I can play with some of the best backs in the state and I think I've done that."

Whitley's running style blends his ability to dart through holes with toughness and courage typically not seen from backs his size. Several times he has impressed observers during practice with his never-say-day attitude running the football against the tough North Carolina defense.

"The only way to score touchdowns is to run straight down the field," Whitley said. "I'm running behind a good offensive line that is getting a good push. But most of all, there are some college coaches out here that I want to impress."

As of Wednesday, only South Carolina had made contact with Whitley, but the two-star rated prospect feels like the attention will pick up.

"Anywhere in the ACC or SEC is fine," he said. "I feel like my main goal is going to be to do everything I can to earn a scholarship. I see that Josh Adams has a lot of scholarships and I am going to try and take one."