Jordan Whittington is staying on the field and playing a key role in the Texas offense

On3 imageby:Joe Cook10/06/22

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Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington is slated to play in the sixth game of the Longhorns’ season this Saturday versus Oklahoma.

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The Red River Shootout is an important line of demarcation for Whittington and his 2022 campaign. In 2021, a collarbone injury suffered against the Sooners kept him out of action until the final game of the season. A similar scenario unfolded in 2020, when after 10 catches for 65 yards in the Cotton Bowl, the then-redshirt freshman had to leave the game, not returning to the field for a month and a half.

Making it through the Red River Shootout would be an accomplishment for the junior from Cuero, who has played well this year in a multifaceted role.

Whittington was at the top of the depth chart last year at the slot receiver position. However, Texas ran 12 personnel often in 2021, and Whittington would leave the field for one of Jared Wiley or Cade Brewer. when Texas deployed that personnel package.

Texas still runs a significant amount of 12 personnel, but these days Whittington stays on the field regardless. He has 158 snaps as the slot receiver, and 107 as a split out wide receiver.

The responsibilities and skill sets emphasized on a down-by-down basis differ when moving from the slot. Corners are in close proximity. There aren’t yards of space like there are in the middle of the field. It’s an adjustment that wide receivers coach Brennan Marion had to work on with Whittington during the offseason, even at the expense of some security.

“Coach Marion did a good job of coming in and making me get uncomfortable because I’ve been comfortable in the slot,” Whittington said Monday. “Putting me outside and just teaching me stuff like that, then telling me ‘you’re going to have to play outside at some point.’ The occasion came, and when I had to do it, I was already set. It wasn’t that hard to adjust.”

His production hasn’t dipped significantly despite moving around. Whittington is just a tad behind his pace from last season when he was the leading Longhorn receiver through five games.

This year, he has 21 catches out of 27 targets for 257 yards. He’s been a reliable option, with PFF College ascribing zero drops to his ledger. The touchdowns haven’t come quite yet, but he has helped create some as a force blocking for others.

That played out most notably in the Longhorns’ recent matchup with West Virginia. On a trick play, Whittington was asked to block for Xavier Worthy prior to his touchdown pass to Ja’Tavion Sanders. Whittington kept Worthy clean, and though he received no stats nor glory, felt like he accomplished something.

“Just being the spring of a big play, then you watch it and the coach is going to point out the little things,” Whittington said. ”Like ’if this didn’t happen, there wouldn’t have been this big play.’ That feels good knowing I was a major part of a touchdown.”

He also cracked a joke: “I know how the O-line feels,” Whittington said.

His blocking has been strong elsewhere, too. Whether in the screen game or in the rushing offense, Texas ball-carriers typically have space if they’re following No. 4.

Whittington said Monday he physically feels good, a testament to the extra effort he puts in to care for his body. Plus, coming off a game last Saturday where most of the 100,740 wished him a happy birthday has him feeling as good as ever heading into the Oklahoma game.

“That was definitely the best birthday I’ve ever had,” Whittington said. ”I don’t know how many people were at the game, but all of them cheering for my birthday? That was cool.”

It was a nice gift for Whittington, but he knows his presence on the field is a gift for the Longhorn offense. Making it through the Oklahoma game and continuing to play well in his unique role would be a tremendous sign for both Whittington and the Longhorns.

But whether he’s on the field or not, Whittington stays optimistic.

“I just try to keep a good attitude,” Whittington said. ”Once I learned happiness is a choice, I always choose that route.”

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