Ohio State redshirt sophomore linebacker Jordan Whiting could be transferring to the University of Louisville for the 2012 football season, though Whiting told The Lantern that a transfer is not yet official, and said he is currently a Buckeye.
“(A transfer) is not yet set in stone and isn’t on my mind at this time,” Whiting said Tuesday. “I’m focused on my school endeavors, keeping in shape with tough workouts and strict nutrition and most importantly letting God direct me in the right direction.”
Whiting went to Trinity High School in Louisville, Ky., and the possible transfer would move him closer to home.
As a backup linebacker, Whiting did not record a tackle in 2011. Whiting also missed the first game of the season due to suspension for receiving impermissible benefits.
“Being a Buckeye is a blessing to me and my family, and that will not change,” Whiting said.
There are 86 Buckeyes on the public roster for the 2012 squad. Jeremy Cash and Taylor Graham are not on the roster, as they announced their transfers earlier this year. Cash, a freshman defensive back, transferred to Duke. Graham, a sophomore quarterback, transferred to Hawaii.
Dominic Clark and DerJuan Gambrell, who were released from their scholarships for violation of team rules, are also not on the list. Jaamal Berry, who was suspended from the team in October, is going through legal issues following an alleged assault charge. Berry is not on the list, but is still on scholarship.
Because of NCAA sanctions, OSU has lost nine scholarships over the next three years, and its scholarship limit is 82.
Besides the scholarships, OSU was given a one-year bowl ban following a nearly one-year investigation of the program after it was discovered that former coach Jim Tressel knowingly played ineligible players.
In December 2010, five OSU football players, former quarterback Terrelle Pryor, senior wide receiver DeVier Posey, senior left tackle Mike Adams, senior running back Daniel “Boom” Herron and redshirt senior defensive end Solomon Thomas, were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season after selling Buckeye football memorabilia in exchange for improper benefits in the form of tattoos. While the others received a five-game ban, Whiting was also involved and received a one-game ban.
Rocco Gasparro, assistant sports information director at Louisville, said Tuesday he cannot comment on prospective transfers until they are enrolled at the university.
A representative from the OSU Athletic Department did not immediately return a request for comment.
