Timmonsville’s McAllister running wild

TIMMONSVILLE —Growing up, Antonio McAllister was given the nickname “Bubba” by his mom and his cousin for his love affair with chewing any and all types of bubble gum.

During the last three years, however, the only thing McAllister has been chewing up is opposing defenses.

Since 2006, Timmonsville’s 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back has gone from relative unknown to one of the top backs in the Pee Dee.

McAllister began returning kicks in his sophomore season and eventually earned a spot as one of the running backs.

His junior year became his coming out party after rushing 205 times for 1,205 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season.

McAllister’s senior season has been even more impressive: 1,508 yards on 200 carries with 21 touchdowns.

In fact, McAllister and fellow back Fredrick Wilhite were so impressive in training camp, they made first-year Whirlwinds coach Jimmy Woods rethink the switch to a spread offense.

“Wholesale changes usually aren’t good, and after talking with my assistant coaches and watching the first couple of scrimmages, I changed my mind,” Woods said. “We have three good backs and a big offensive line, so our personnel fit more of a power running game.”

Making the switch

McAllister burst on the scene in seventh grade as a kick returner for the junior varsity team before making the move to running back.

“As an assistant, I coached him on the JV squad and you could tell by what he did with the ball on kickoffs that he was going to be something special,” Woods said.

“(Switching to running back) wasn’t too hard of a transition,” McAllister said. “Before, I kind of just had one job I had to do. Now I’m a running back and a lot the guys look to me for leadership, too.”

McAllister’s speed was one of the main reasons he made a smooth transition to running back, Woods said. And he’s worked to become a complete back, he added.

“He was kind of a small kid in ninth grade,” Woods said. “But he’s worked hard in the weight room and built himself up. He’s always been a speedster, but now he’s also a power back and can make cutbacks as well.”

“I think the one thing that’s really improved has been my vision,” McAllister said. “I can see the field a lot better now, and I know how to follow my blocks.”
McAllister knows he owes a lot of success to his offensive line and other blockers.

“I take my offensive line out to eat sometimes,” McAllister said laughing. “And Fredrick and Mike (McAllister) are always opening up big holes for me.”

Playing defense, beating Lamar

As with all Class A schools, McAllister’s talents are not used on offense alone.

The senior is also the starting cornerback and plays on special teams. Woods has even had McAllister line up at quarterback and receiver.
“He pretty much never comes off the field,” Woods said.

“It was a little hard at the beginning of the season because I kept cramping up,” McAllister said. “But I’m pretty much used to it now.”

McAllister has been a solid player and defensive captain, Woods said, and has had more than a few big plays during the season.

Especially last week against Lamar.

The Whirlwinds snapped a 14-game losing streak to their Region 7-A rivals, and McAllister was a big contributor on both sides of the ball.

He rushed for four touchdowns and returned an interception 103 yards for a score just before halftime.

“That was really exciting,” McAllister said. “We came close to beating those guys so many times. It was great to finally put together a complete game against them.”

The win helped the Whirlwinds earn a 4-1 region record and a home game Friday in the Class A Division II playoffs.

“Our defense playing better has been one of the main reasons for our success,” Woods said. “Our offense has put up numbers all year, but our defense has really come around.”

Looking ahead

McAllister is hoping his final season will be a memorable one.

“I think we have a good chance to play well in the playoffs and make a run,” McAllister said.

And he’s hoping to continue playing at the next level.

“I’d like to go on and play at college,” McAllister said. “I think if I work hard, I could make it and be a pretty good player.”

But unlike at Timmonsville, McAllister believes his skills as a defensive back are what will get him on the field.

“I want to play corner,” he said. “But I’ll play any position.

“Whatever it takes.”