July 26, 2001

By SCOTT SONNER
Associated Press Writer

RENO, Nev. (AP) - San Jose State star tailback Deonce Whitaker is expected to complete the summer classes he needs to be eligible to play this fall.

"I expect Deonce to be with us," Spartans coach Fitz Hill said Thursday at the Western Athletic Conference's annual media day. "I'll be prepared for either scenario."

The 5-foot-6, 185-pound Whitaker was fourth in the nation in rushing last season with a school-record 1,577 yards, averaging 157.7 per game. He would be the NCAA's top returning rusher in average yards per carry (7.0).

Whitaker, a three-time All-WAC selection, was scheduled to be one of 15 players available for interviews at the two-day event, but canceled to devote full attention to his studies.

"He's worked extremely hard," said Hill, a former Arkansas assistant entering his first year as head coach at San Jose State. "That's why he's not here. We're making sure our academics are first."

Whitaker was academically ineligible as a freshman. According to NCAA rules, he must complete his undergraduate studies in four years to be eligible for a fourth football season.

"The average student takes five and one-half years to graduate. He's doing it in four. I can't do anything but encourage him," Hill said.

"I'm just amazed at what he has done. If he doesn't make it, I'm still going to love him. He can help me coach. He can travel with us. I'll still feed him. He just can't play because of NCAA rules."

Whitaker needs to finish nine semester hours. He was allowed to participate in spring graduation ceremonies because he was so close to the graduation requirements, Hill said.

Upon completion of his degree, Whitaker can become eligible by applying for graduate school or starting work on a second undergraduate degree.

Hill said he's more concerned about Whitaker's future than his impact on the Spartans, who went 7-5 last year for their first winning season since 1992.

"I'm concerned for him because I know him and know how badly he wants it," Hill said. "I'd be concerned if I couldn't find him. I'm not getting reports that he is not going to class or that he's not sitting in the front three rows. That's all I can ask. I'm going to support him to the hilt."

Hill said it wouldn't matter if Whitaker's studies caused him to miss part of preseason practice.

"I don't think I need to evaluate him to see where he's going to play," he said.