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'Ohio State all the way' for Whiting
But that can't stop others from calling
By Jody Demling ? [email protected] ? August 17, 2008
Trinity High School linebacker Jordan Whiting announced his decision to attend Ohio State University last fall and plans to sign in February.
But that hasn't stopped other schools, including the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky, from calling.
"Oh, plenty of people," he said when asked how many colleges are still giving him recruiting pitches.
The 6-foot, 235-pound Whiting said he tries to be polite to the college coaches but said he still wants to play for the Buckeyes.
"A lot of times when I get letters or phone calls, I get my parents to take care of it," he said. "I let them know that I am committed and Ohio State is where I want to go, but I understand it's part of their job."
Whiting said he doesn't see anything changing. He was the first member of the Class of 2009 for Ohio State, which now has 24 commitments.
"I highly doubt it," he said about going anywhere else. "It's Ohio State all the way. That's where I want to be. But right now I just want to finish out my senior season and not worry about college. It's all about Trinity football right now."
Whiting had 53 tackles as a sophomore. Last year he led the Shamrocks with 111, including 12 for losses and two sacks. He also intercepted two passes.
Recruiting watch: 2009's first commitment knows he's in the right place
Saturday, August 30, 2008
By Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
SAM UPSHAW JR. THE (LOUISVILLE) COURIER-JOURNAL
Jordan Whiting, left, of Louisville Trinity celebrates a defensive stop during a 2006 state championship game in Louisville, Ky.
Every giant snowball has a core, and at the center of Ohio State's hurtling 2009 recruiting class stands Jordan Whiting.
The linebacker from Trinity High School in Louisville, Ky., was the first to commit, and he did it almost a year ago, before he started his junior season in high school. Since then, 23 others have joined him.
For his part, Whiting is not surprised by what he started.
"Honestly? I think Ohio State speaks for itself," Whiting said. "The Ohio State University has great academic programs, and I think all 24 commitments, including myself, realize it's a great place to receive a degree in whatever field we want to pursue.
"Athletically, Ohio State also speaks for itself."
Two straight trips to the national championship game are firm testament, he said, even if the Buckeyes lost both.
"You can see where they're ranked going into this season," Whiting said. "It's a great football program."
Hence, "I haven't second-guessed it at all," he said of signing. But he did create a buzz in the spring when he and his father visited practices at Tennessee, Kentucky and Louisville.
"It was spring break, and we didn't have anything to do, so my father and I were just driving around and went to some practices," Whiting said. "People started saying things on the Internet that were not true. I have not second-guessed anything. I'm going to be a Buckeye."
Slightly Overrated
While Todd Golper (Arcadia, Calif.) and Jordan Whiting (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) are solid ILB prospects committed to prominent BSC schools, we do not see the ability on film that justifies their national exposure.
Similarly Whiting is a strong vertical run stopper with his compact frame, but his hip fluidity is marginal and his lateral pursuit through traffic is a weaker area. He can blow up the "ISO" but we are a bit surprised the Buckeyes went after an ILB with limited range, speed and agility outside the tackles.
Similarly Whiting is a strong vertical run stopper with his compact frame, but his hip fluidity is marginal and his lateral pursuit through traffic is a weaker area. He can blow up the "ISO" but we are a bit surprised the Buckeyes went after an ILB with limited range, speed and agility outside the tackles.
In this type of condition, it's very hard to keep your balance and keep your stability," Trinity linebacker Jordan Whiting said. "But I felt like we just played more as a team."