Jordan Whittington’s career at Texas has not panned out the way either party had imagined. A five-star prospect on the 247Sports composite out of small-town Cuero, Texas, Whittington was dubbed as an athlete due to his ability at running back, wide receiver, and sparingly across the defense.
Tom Herman’s staff initially placed him at running back due to the lack of depth at the position. One game in the season opener against Louisiana Tech and a groin injury kept Whittington out of the 2019 season. Roschon Johnson’s emergence and Bijan Robinson’s arrival on campus proved Whittington was no longer needed in the backfield.
H-receiver was the next move where injuries and poor rotation from Herman and his offensive staff left more frustration. Whittington only played in six games, catching 21 passes for 206 yards, while rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown. Jake Smith was seen as the starter in the slot, with Whittington rarely, if ever, getting on the field at the same time as Smith.
Going into 2021 and there seems to be a breath of fresh air surrounding Whittington. Texas’ wide receiver pool is thin right now thanks to a couple of injuries. Smith broke his foot in the first practice of the year and freshman Troy Omerie is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in fall camp last season. If there has ever been a time for Whittington to emerge as the Longhorns’ best receiver, it is now.
Something Steve Sarkisian did while at Alabama was play his three best receivers, no matter what position they played. DeVonta Smith was nearly always on the field, while Jaylen Waddle and Slade Bolden, who would both be considered slot receivers, would be on the field at the same time. Outside receiver John Metchie finished as the team’s second-leading receiver. The same tactics will be deployed in Austin.
No more of Whittington sitting behind Smith due to Herman’s frustrating rotations. If he continues to have a good spring ball and carries it over to fall camp, the sophomore is going to be on the field.
Herman loved to use Whittington in bubble screen situations, and rightfully so. When in the open space, he is one of the most electric receivers in the Big 12. Half of Whittington’s 10 receptions against Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout game behind or on the line of scrimmage. Rarely would the slot receiver have opportunities down the field to show off his athleticism in the air or in one one-on-one situations.
Sarkisian will do just the opposite. Running vertical routes against single coverage and crossing routes will be the name of the game. Yards after the catch is where Whittington will thrive, showing off the elite speed we know he has.
An elite wide receiver who can take over games has been missing from Texas’ offense for some time now. Whittington has the opportunity to be that guy for the Longhorns this season. Joshua Moore, Jake Smith, and Kelvontay Dixon possess the same chance but for Whittington, the skillset is too good for Sarkisian to not take advantage of.