Michigan Football: 3 thoughts on adding transfer DT Jordan Whittley

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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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

What are realistic expectations?

Michigan football fans can be excited about adding Whittley from the portal but don’t get carried away. There are still question marks about him, especially on whether he can stay healthy?

While his weight and size are a good thing, you still have to be able to play at that weight. 358 pounds is getting up there and he might benefit from shedding some of that prior to next season.

At the same time though, he was viewed as a guy that could help Oregon State next season. He started a game for the Beavers and has the ability to be disruptive. He’s also pretty athletic for a big guy and used to be a running back, believe it or not.

The key with Whittley is going to be availability. He’s got the ability to come in and really help U-M particularly against teams like Wisconsin, which just bullied the Wolverines defensive front last season.

That sort of thing will be harder to do with Whittley rotating in the middle, but only if he’s actually available to play, which has been an issue throughout his collegiate career.

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