Charles Whitlock a Gamecock?

There has been a bit of dissension from all parties about whether or not Charles Whitlock has officially committed to South Carolina or not. GameCockCentral.com is reporting the 5-11, 175 athlete from Chester, SC has indeed pledged to play ball for Steve Spurrier.

The Chester High School product is one of the top in-state targets as Whitlock goes with the Cocks over Alabama, Clemson, Kentucky, Florida and North Carolina.

How he ranks:

Rivals: #9 cornerback
Scout: #6 cornerback
ESPN: #4 cornerback, #35 overall

This is a huge pick-up for Spurrier and Cocky. Charles Whitlock is dynamic in the open field. Like most high level athletes they play quarterback in high school, he is no quarterback. Defensive back or wide receiver is where he will find a home. He also will be a game-breaking return man. He is incredibly elusive in the open field. His feet are comparable to Will Hill or Darron Thomas.

He plays a lot of zone coverages allowing him to play up top in the secondary, roam, and read the quarterback. He has great closing speed and his ability to break on the ball is solid. How will he do at his size jamming wide receivers at the line? Can he play bump-and-run coverage? The transition down to cover corner should not be a tough one because of his pure agility and natural athletic ability. He will need to get bigger but he has all the physical tools to be a standout cornerback.

He also works hard in the weight room (270 lb bench), making that transition to an high level collegiate weight program that much easier for him.

And as I have said before, South Carolina puts out NFL defensive backs as well as any team in the nation. He will be well coached. Great job by Spurrier to lock-up an in-state stud like Charles Whitlock.

Photo by Scout.com