Whitman has emerged as one of the top starting pitchers of the University of Rhode Island Rams pitching staff, which features many current and former Waves players. As a redshirt sophomore in 2015, Whitman made nine appearances (eight starts) with the Rams, posting a 3-3 record with 22 strikeouts in 29 innings of work. As a freshman, Whitman made 10 relief appearances, striking out ten batters in 16 innings.

Prior to his arrival at URI, Whitman was a key pitcher at Triton Regional High School in Massachusetts. A three-sport athlete, Whitman was a three-time All League honoree while setting various records at Triton Regional (most wins, strikeouts, and hits in his career).