Wolves RB commits to Gardner-Webb

Dee Littlejohn was sitting around the house last week and started thinking: If he drags out his college decision too long, Gardner-Webb might withdraw its scholarship offer.

Gardner-Webb was one of his top choices all along, so Littlejohn decided he better go ahead and pull the trigger. The Lincolnton running back committed to the Runnin’ Bulldogs on Friday, ensuring his chance to play Division I football.

“They really were recruiting me the hardest,” Littlejohn said Monday. “I always wanted to play running back, and they were the main school talking about me playing running back.”

Other schools discussed using Littlejohn as more of a blocking back, but he wanted a chance to carry the ball. After all, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound fullback was a load to bring down during his high school career, especially during a spectacular senior season.

Littlejohn set Lincoln County records in single-season rushing yards (2,072) and career rushing yards (4,296) as Lincolnton made a run to the 2A state title game this past season. Littlejohn also served as captain for the N.C. Shrine Bowl team and helped his team take a 26-19 victory.

Lincolnton coach Scott Cloninger believes Littlejohn’s choice to attend to Gardner-Webb creates a good situation for both sides. The school is located in Boiling Springs, about 31 miles from Lincolnton.

“We can all see him play. It’s not a long trip,” Cloninger said. “And I think it’s great for Gardner-Webb to bring in local people.”

Littlejohn was being recruited by Coastal Carolina, N.C. A&T, UNC Charlotte and others.

Passing game coordinator and receivers coach Thad Ward served as Littlejohn’s primary contact at Gardner-Webb. Ron Dickerson Jr. is entering his second season as Gardner-Webb’s head coach after leading the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a 4-7 record this past season, including a 2-4 mark in the Big South. Gardner-Webb competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.

“Gardner-Webb’s a great school academically and I think the coach over there is going to turn that program around,” Cloninger said. “I think it’ll be a great fit for Dee. He won’t get lost in the shuffle.”

The son of former Lincolnton standout Charles Littlejohn, Dee Littlejohn had a senior season to remember. He topped 100 yards in his final 11 games and found the end zone in all but one game this past fall. In fact, Littlejohn wound up with another county record by scoring 224 points this season.

Although he’s already made an unofficial visit to the school, Littlejohn plans an official visit Jan. 14. He plans to sign his binding national letter of intent Feb. 1.

Phillip Gardner: 704-869-1843; twitter.com/gazettephil