2021 NFL Draft prospect JaTarvious Whitlow makes puzzling decision

2021 NFL Draft prospect JaTarvious Whitlow has heads scratching

In a shocking turn of events, the leading rusher of the Auburn Tigers JaTarvious Whitlow decided to enter the transfer portal at the end of the 2019 season. Even more shocking and head-scratching is the school he chose to transfer to in order to continue his collegiate career as he landed with the FCS program Western Illinois with his 2021 NFL Draft stock on the line.

While he is entering just his true Junior season, Whitlow could still opt to declare for the draft after one year at Western Illinois; that is if Whitlow is able to receive immediate eligibility to play at Western Illinois right away. The question remains: why did a running back at a prominent SEC school drop all the way down to the FCS?

How did JaTarvious Whitlow end up at Western Illinois?

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Apparently Whitlow and the coaching staff at Auburn did not get along, leading to more than one altercation between the two sides. However, it is hard to imagine Auburn’s leading rusher did not get an offer from a Power Five, let alone a Division I school. This is a head-scratching news burst with no real explanation.

What Whitlow brings to Western Illinois

In both of his seasons with the Tigers, Whitlow was the team’s best running back, and most known for his decapitating hit stick on now New York Giants’ safety Xavier McKinney in Auburn’s defeat of Alabama a season ago. At the FCS level, he should be able absolutely dominate at Western Illinois.

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Whitlow has topped 750 yards rushing in both of his seasons at Auburn, and he scored 16 touchdowns in that time frame as well. He will have to dominate at his new competition level to prove to NFL teams that he can succeed before the 2021 NFL Draft or later.

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