Jordan Whittington named ESPN’s 2020 breakout player for Texas

ESPN recently named their breakout players for the top college football programs in 2020.

Wide receiver and running back Jordan Whittington was expected to be one of the most exciting players to watch for the Longhorns in 2019. Unfortunately, he was sidelined the majority of his freshman season due to a sports hernia surgery.

There was nothing Whittington couldn’t do throughout his high school playing career at Cuero. His record-setting performance in the 2018 State Championship quickly caught the attention of many.

Whittington compiled 334 rush yards, 43 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Also recording 11 tackles on defense, Whittington was named the offensive and defensive most valuable player as Cuero defeated Texarkana Pleasant Grove for their first state championship in over 30 years.

Expecting to play wide receiver at Texas, Whittington’s versatility, knowledge, and athletic ability eventually became an option at running back due to the teams lack of depth.

Whittington took full advantage of the position change, soaring up to the No. 2 running back behind Keontay Ingram before suffering an injury. With wide receivers Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay departing to the NFL while five-star running back Bijan Robinson arrives on campus, Whittington may be tasked to play both positions in 2020.

ESPN recently released their college breakout player to watch for in 2020 for each of the top programs. Considering Whittington rarely stepped onto the field in 2019, this accolade speaks volumes of his expectations and abilities.

He’s the prototypical Swiss Army knife type of player that this Texas staff must find a way to use frequently.