NW: Are you planning on doing Whitney as a day hike or as a backpacking trip?
Are you looking for a back-up option that is outside the Whitney Zone in case can't get a permit to enter the Whitney Zone?
As far as 14er's in that area: Russell is a nice day climb once you get on the ridge (as Gary said, it's easy Class 3 via the East Ridge but the exposure bothers some people). Russell is in the Whitney Zone; so you'll have the same permit issue as for Whitney.
Not too far north and out of the Whitney Zone is Mount Tyndall, which is fun via the North Rib (Class 2/easy Class 3) and can be done as a really long day climb if you're strong, but (IMO) it's more enjoyable as a multi-day trip. A harder option would be Williamson near Tyndall and an easier option would be Langley (Class 1) to the south of Whitney and also out of the Whitney Zone (Langley can be a long slog but is works better as a day hike than Tyndall or Williamson because it's easier).
Have fun!