There were more than victories riding on Daryl Whiting’s senior season. His collegiate future was resting in the balance, too.
Entering last fall, he had no scholarship offers. That changed once the season began and Whiting produced 13 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards for Holy Cross.
Fordham, from the Patriot League of the Football Championship Subdivision, offered a scholarship and a chance to play immediately as a freshman. Whiting, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior, accepted and recently signed a letter of intent to attend the Bronx university and play for Tom Masella, the reigning Patriot League Coach of the Year.
“It’s where I felt most comfortable,” Whiting said. “I’m most likely going to play as a freshman where other schools I would get red-shirted or not play as much.”
Fordham recruited Whiting as a wide receiver while Temple and Connecticut, the other primary suitors, liked his athleticism, but were not sure where he fit. Although Whiting got most of his touches as a running back for Holy Cross Coach Tom Pugh, Whiting also had 20 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns, and played the position as a junior.
Adding to the quandary prior to the season, Whiting was suspended temporarily from the Flushing school during his junior year - the result of an in-school incident. It was the reason so much depended on Whiting’s final year of high school. Pugh was not sure the offers would come. Until the season began and Whiting tore up the league, that is.
“He came right out of the gate real good,” Pugh said.
The delay in his recruitment helped Whiting properly display his abilities as a running back and wide receiver. His junior year, he mostly blocked for tailback Kevin Williams. Looking back, Whiting said, the experience was a blessing. It taught him maturity and patience.
“I’ve been through a lot the last year,” Whiting said. “Everything since [I’ve been back at Holy Cross] has been perfect.”
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Whiting will be joined at Fordham by Campus Magnet linebacker/wide receiver Jason Weston. Holy Cross defensive back Jaquan Bryant signed a letter of intent to attend Marist and defensive end Antonio Carter is headed for Southern Connecticut State.
