[1] At Norview, Whitley started at both quarterback and cornerback; he made the USA Today All-USA second-team as a senior in 1996.
[1][3] As a freshman, he played for the undefeated 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team that defeated Washington State in the 1998 Rose Bowl to win a national championship.
[5] During his four years as a player for Michigan, Whitley had 187 tackles including 13 for loss, six interceptions, five sacks, and 21 punt returns for 172 yards.
[3][6] After not being selected in the 2001 NFL draft, Whitley signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 2001.
[6] In the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Whitley played in 16 games with one start for the Rams with 32 tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery.