44 Days of Football: David Whittington
As the Vanderbilt football program approaches the first day of fall practice, set for August 4th, VandySports.com has began a countdown in anticipation of the 2006 season. Every day from today until the first day of fall practice, VandySports.com will bring to you a player profile corresponding to the players number for the amount of days remaining. The profiles will include the players recruitment to Vanderbilt, their Vanderbilt career so far, and where they project for the squad this season.
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Today's Player:
David Whittington- Sophomore (3rd year)- Defensive End.
How he came to Vanderbilt:
David Whittington was a three year starter at St.Thomas More High in Lafayette, Louisiana, playing fullback and tight end. As a senior, Whittington rushed for 400 yards and six touchdowns and was considered one of the better blocking backs in Louisiana. Known for his raw strength, Whittington also competed in the state powerlifting competitions and threw the discus and shot put on the STM track team. Whittington set a school record with a 310 pound power clean. At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, he also benched 340 pounds and squatted 500 pounds.
When Whittington chose the Commodores in July of 2003, he picked the 'Dores over offers from Mississippi State, Northwestern, West Virginia, Louisville, and Louisiana-Lafayette.
His career at Vanderbilt so far:
During Whittington's redshirt season of 2004, the blocking specialist was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week for his work in preparation for the Georgia game. Strong and stout, Whittington was projected to begin his career as the backup to starter Matthew Tant heading into the 2005 season.
But Tant would decide to not return for his fifth year of eligibility in 2005, and Whittington began a competition with fellow redshirt freshmen fullback Zach Logan as well as former quarterback, now converted "H-Back", Steven Bright.
Although Whittington would start against Wake Forest and play every game in 2005, his role would mainly be as a blocking back in short yardage situations and a member of the special teams. The Vanderbilt coaching staff had opened up it's playbook a little more that season and rarely used the traditional blocking fullback in their formations or play calling.
His projection on the 2006 season:
In the spring of 2006, David Whittington was moved from fullback to defensive end. The change was simply to find a better place to utilize Whittington's talents with Vanderbilt going to a more pass receiving fullback. During the spring drills, Whittington was obviously adapting to his new position, and while he may still need more attention at the position, he didn't struggle with making plays and holding his own at the new spot.
For any kind of height Whittington loses along the defensive line, he can make up for with his strength. It is believed that Whittington has a good shot of backing up senior Chris Booker at one of the defensive end spots.
Career Totals at Vanderbilt:
11 games played, 1 start, no official registered stats recorded.
