Texas signee Jordan Whittington has makings of future star
Nick Moyle Feb. 21, 2019
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Jordan Whittington comes to Texas after a dynamic performance in helping Cuero win a state championship.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News
AUSTIN — Travis Reeve saw it before anyone else did.
There was a glint in Jordan Whittington's eyes, prisms through which to view the fire churning within. Cuero's do-it-all star had accomplished just about everything he set out do during a four-year ascension into one of the nation's most coveted football prospects.
He had just one item r
Cuero's portion of the 12,784 spectators spread inside AT&T Stadium roared when Whittington lined up as wildcat quarterback and weaved his way 20 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 2:54 remaining.
Whittington was named the offensive and defensive MVP following Cuero's 40-28 win.
The performance has already been etched in Texas football lore. Those who were there discuss that day with wide-eyed wonderment, eager to describe the Herculean efforts of a teenager who wouldn't be denied.
"That's what sets Jordan apart from most other players," Reeve said. "Not only is he good enough to be able to play both ways and play them at an elite level but he's willing to do that as well. He was just going to do whatever was necessary for us to win."
Texas coach Tom Herman won't ask Whittington to play in all three phases, though he undoubtedly would if called upon to do so. After all, he did earn all-state honors as a wide receiver, defensive back, kick returner and all-purpose player.
The five-star recruit enrolled in January and will start his college career training in the running back room. He can line up in the backfield or the slot, and Herman envisions him doing a bit of everything à la wideout Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who declared for the 2019 NFL draft following his junior season.
Whittington has sticky hands and a physical nature. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he already owns a sturdy base for strength and conditioning coach Yancy McKnight to stack muscle upon.
"Extremely versatile," Herman said. "Plays wide receiver, safety, kick returner, wildcat quarterback. The possibilities are endless when it comes to him and his usage on our football team."
Reeve sensed Whittington was extraordinary almost immediately. It was clear in the way he conducted himself, even as an immensely talented junior high standout.
Whittington was confident, not cocksure. He worked like a third-stringer scrapping for a few snaps, not one of the state's elite. He absorbed plays and lessons like a sponge and strove to increase his intake of knowledge, a football nerd in the purest sense.
"I knew he was going to be a special player first time we got to work with him in junior high. he's a great athlete but he's also really smart," Reeve said. "He was the leader of his class.
"As time went on, watching him work and how hard he worked in the offseason, he was just the perfect combination of talent and work ethic and intelligence and leadership. Guys like the don't come around all the time. He maximized his potential."
Even when a groin injury sidelined Whittington for four games last season, he aided Cuero in other ways. Imparting his knowledge on others. Leading rowdy chants on the sidelines. Strategizing and looking for holes to exploit mid-game.
"He was a guy that wanted to get back in it," Reeve said. "He was frustrated that he couldn't play. But at the same time, he worked to help his teammates help them prepare for the games. He knew what was going on with the game plan."
Nothing is assured at the next level, even among those who left behind legendary high school legacies. Whittington, the No. 2 athlete in the Class of 2019 per 247Sports, could float from position to position without ever settling in as the fabled force he was at Cuero.
But nothing about Whittington's past suggests he'll rest on his laurels at Texas.
Herman envisions him as a key part of a future which includes national championship aspirations. Those who already know Whittington believe what went down in Arlington two months ago was just the beginning.
"He's a guy that's exceptionally talented but he works like he's of average talent," Reeve said.
"His championship game performance ranks up there with the best of all time. But that was something we had the privilege of being able to watch each and every day and practice at throughout the season."
That privilege now belongs to Texas.
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/college/article/Texas-signee-Jordan-Whittington-has-makings-of-13634623.php
oh, and his buddy Evans.
