Auburn RB JaTarvious Whitlow Reportedly Enters Transfer Portal
By Michael Luciano
The Auburn Tigers surprised folks last season when they were able to put up some crooked numbers on offense despite having a true freshman quarterback. However, that success could be hard to duplicate now that one of the key members of the offensive unit has decided to transfer.
According to reports, star running back JaTarvious Whitlow has entered the transfer portal and will be leaving the program.
Auburn starting running back JaTarvious Whitlow has entered the transfer portal
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 5, 2020
Gus Malzahn hired former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, who favors a spread passing gave over a dominant running game, as their offensive coordinator. Morris' preferred play style could be one of the factors that pushed Whitlow away.
As a sophomore in 2019, Whitlow ran for 763 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns leading the team in both categories. At 6-0 and 210 pounds with plenty of power and agility, Whitlow will likely be starting somewhere else if he ultimately decides to leave the program.
A source confirms to The Athletic that Auburn RB JaTarvious Whitlow, the team’s leading rusher for the last two seasons, has entered the transfer portal. @mzenitz was the first to report.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) February 5, 2020
Part of what made Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix successful was Whitlow grinding out yards on the ground and forcing defenses to account for him on virtually every play. His presence, should he transfer, will be sorely missed in the Tigers backfield.