Texas scores big commitment from Rivals100 ATH Jordan Whittington
It was early April last year when the Texas Longhorns began to pick-up steam on what would turn out to be one of the nation’s top overall recruiting classes. This year, things may be starting a little earlier.
A little more than one week after picking up a commitment from defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat, the Longhorns have added another pledge to their 2019 class … and it’s a big one.
Rivals100 member Jordan Whittington, one of the nation’s top overall prospects, committed to Texas on Saturday afternoon.
“I love the coaches and I like what Tom Herman is trying to do,” Whittington said. “Also, I love the environment. The campus is great, the city is wonderful, it’s not that far from where I am. I like what they do with their slot receivers. I feel like I would fit in there.”
The 6-1, 204-pound Whittington chose Texas over Texas A&M, UCLA and Florida. A well-liked personality who seems to have the respect of his peers around the state, Whittington he plans to immediately turn into a recruiter on the Longhorns’ behalf.
“It’s a big relief. Now I can just recruit, make the class the best that I can,” Whittington said. “And actually worry about my season, not have to worry about (being recruited).
“I’m going to be super active in recruiting. I’m going to make sure we’re the top three in the nation in our class again.”
Whittington, who will graduate in December, does a little bit of everything for Cuero but wants to play receiver in college. Last year, as a junior, he finished the season with 34 rushes for 227 yards and 5 TDs while adding 73 receptions for 1,457 yards and 16 scores. On defense, he logged 45 tackles and 3 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown, and he also returned a punt for a score.
“He’s just one of those kids that can do so many different things on the field. He just makes an impact no matter what he’s doing,” Cuero head coach Travis Reeve said. “He can take over a game on offense as wide receiver or wildcat quarterback. Defensively, you can match him up on a team’s best player, free up other guys to double cover other good wide receivers. On special teams, he’s made such a difference in field position for us. Either he’s going to have a big return, or people are going to kick it short and away from him. He has an impact on the game that most kids don’t have from an individual standpoint.”
Whittington stars on the field, but he’s also a high-character guy who will be a valuable presence for Texas in the locker room.
“He’s a great person, first of all,” Coach Reeve said. “He’s a humble kid. He’s done a good job with leadership on our team and in our program. He’s a straight A student. He’s not going to do anything to embarrass himself, his family or the program. Has worked really hard to get where he’s at, but he’s a good character person who is going to be an asset.”
“I think my strengths are my work ethic, the way I handle adversity,” Whittington said. “My leading by example, and then my elusiveness and just my versatility. Things I think I can improve on receiver wise would be my press release and I want to get faster.”
The No. 18-ranked prospect in the nation overall, Whittington becomes the Longhorns’ third pledge, joining Sweat and quarterback Roschon Johnson.