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Michigan Football: 3 thoughts on adding transfer DT Jordan Whittley

By Chris Peterson

Oct 19, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers defensive lineman Jordan Whittley (50) reacts after a teammate is called for pass interference on the goal line during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers defensive lineman Jordan Whittley (50) reacts after a teammate is called for pass interference on the goal line during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan football finally landed a defensive tackle in the transfer portal Friday as Jordan Whittley announced his commitment. 

After months of trying, Michigan football has added some depth to its defensive line with the commitment of defensive tackle Jordan Whittley.

Whittley entered the transfer portal from Oregon State and is the definition of a big-bodied defensive tackle as he tips the scales at 358 pounds.

The 6-foot-1 former JUCO product didn’t play last season for the Beavers and last played in 2019 when he started one game and had 14 tackles. He also finished with three tackles for loss but only managed to play in nine games due to injury.

UAB was the only other confirmed offer for Whittley, although some other schools had shown interest, including some from the SEC.

But Michigan football became the early favorite. Just minutes after Whittley entered the portal, the Wolverines contacted him and offered. The immediate need for a nose tackle type probably helped attract Whittley to Ann Arbor, but what sort of impact will he have next season?

We break it down with three thoughts on his addition.

Much-needed size

There’s a reason Michigan football has been searching so hard for a defensive tackle. The Wolverines need size in the middle of the defense. Mazi Smith will likely be the starting nose tackle, but one guy isn’t enough.

The run defense was a major weakness last year and Mike Macdonald’s defense is going to rely on defensive lineman plugging up holes. Whittley might not be a pass rusher, but he can plug the middle and that’s the reason why his addition is significant.

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