Cooper Whitton, one of the top running backs and rush defensive ends in San Diego County, has committed to play baseball at Washington.
Playing for 5-0 Santa Fe Christian, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Whitton averages 8.5 yards on 46 rushes with eight touchdowns. Plus, he averages 27.8 yards on six pass receptions.
On defense, he has 12 tackles, a sack, 13 quarterback hurries and five passes defensed.
Baseball, however, is where he excels, hitting .273 with a homer, six doubles and 13 RBIs for SFC last season.
He has run the 60-yard dash — baseball’s measuring stick — in a blazing 6.52 seconds where anything under 7.0 is considered fast.
After a showcase event in June, Prep Baseball Report said: “Stands out among players of the same age. Peak Exit velo of 103 MPH via Trackman in batting practice rounds. Power is present when he finds the barrel with potential to all fields.
“Showed well in the outfield during defensive workout. Attacked the ball with conviction and had smooth transfers. Footwork was clean and showed some rhythm. Projects as a CF at the next level.
“It is impossible not to get excited about the skillset this kid possesses and what that could potentially look like a few years.”