As a junior, he started 12 games, helping quarterback Sonny Cumbie lead the nation in passing and total offense.
He started mainly at both guard positions and at center, as part of an offense that led the nation in passing for the fourth straight year.
Whitley was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (224th overall) of the 2006 NFL draft, with the intention of playing him at guard.
[2][3] On May 7, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during rookie minicamp and was placed on the injured reserve list.
[5] After not playing during the 2007 NFL season, he was invited to the 2008 rookie camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders but did not make the team.