That's not quite true though.
Two of that age group are already in the first team squad (three if you count Keegan Smith), four have gone or are going to US Colleges on scholarships - a path the club have stated they will support and encourage because it gives the player footballing and educational options - Bell, Ebbinge, Harris, Phillip.
It really only left Whyte in the age group he is in. Whether the club didn't see him moving up, or didn't see him as ready to be more than a Handy prem player at this stage or feel they need more experienced players in the position he plays in because of current circumstances is anyone's guess.