Fargas Asks to Be Free Safety

Running back Justin Fargas, a sophomore at Michigan from Notre Dame High, has been moved to free safety at his request.

Fargas made the decision after Michigan’s loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl two weeks ago. He asked Coach Lloyd Carr for the change and Carr told him to speak to his family to be sure.

“I tried to dissuade him from moving,” Carr said. “He made it clear it was a move he wanted. I think Justin will prove to be an outstanding defensive back.”

Fargas had lost playing time at running back to senior Anthony Thomas and freshman Chris Perry. In the last two games, he has made six tackles on special teams.

He practiced all last week at free safety. Carr declined to commit to Fargas playing Saturday against Wisconsin.

“It’s always a transition that takes time,” Carr said. “Justin is a very smart football player. I was extremely impressed with the way he handled last week’s practices.

“We got him a lot of snaps and he showed a real awareness. I don’t know when you will see him, but it won’t take as long to make the transition as a lot of people.”

Fargas was rated the nation’s top running back coming out of Notre Dame in 1998. He also played defensive back for the Knights. He returned this season after missing almost two years because of a leg injury. He had rushed for 85 yards in 18 carries.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

* All-state forward Kelly Greathouse of Buena High will take a recruiting trip to North Carolina State on Thursday.

Greathouse will visit Stanford and is considering UC Santa Barbara.

Teammate Courtney Young, an all-state guard, has visited Georgia and has trips scheduled to Tennessee and Purdue. Young is also considering Duke and Ohio State.