Interview: Expectations are High for Chaminade with 2018 QB Brevin White Running the Offense

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Year after year California produces some of the top quarterback talent in the nation unleashing the West Coast’s brand of high school play onto the collegiate ranks. The 2018 class out west looks to be as good as any class with Oaks Christian’s Matt Corral (USC), Newbury Park’s Cameron Rising, Mission Hill’s Jack Tuttle, Centennial’s Tanner McKee, and Chaminade’s Brevin White slinging the pigskin around the yard for top area honors.

Big expectations are nothing new for Brevin White. Entering his sophomore season, White already had two scholarship offers coming in from Arizona State and Washington State and with him leading the offense his Alemany High School team was ranked preseason No. 1 by the Los Angeles Times. The Warriors came up short of preseason expectations and by the end of the season a lot of changes took place. In the off-season, White transferred schools in February to Chimanade giving an already dangerous team another elite weapon entering the 2016 schedule.

The Eagles finished the 2015 season 7-4 with Class of 2016 UCLA wide receiver commit Dymond Lee playing quarterback. With Lee off to Westwood, White steps in with perhaps the best running back in the 2018 class in the backfield with him, TJ Pledger. Pledger rushed for 1,331 yards off 191 carries with 26 scores during his sophomore season.

If all of the Eagles players return for another season, White will have a lot of talent to get the ball out to including Michael Wilson (36/463/4), Isaiah Richardson (23/259/1), Andrew Vanburen, and Pledger who showed his all-purpose back abilities with 33 receptions for 381 yards with another touchdown in the passing game.

White will be a target for opposing Mission League teams to stop and for college coaches to recruit in 2016 receiving the yin and yang of treatment. The 6’1”, 175 pound, talent now has four offers with Oregon State and Washington seeking his services along with teams like Notre Dame, UCLA, Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, Cal, Nebraska, San Diego State, Michigan State, and Miami all showing interest among others. Once the 2018 class is officially able to be contacted on a regular basis, watch this list grow quickly.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the No. 5 ranked pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class (247Sports) getting a rundown on his college camp circuit, his off-season workouts, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Brevin, there were a lot of expectations entering your sophomore season. Overall, how did the 2015 season go for you?

“It was an okay year. There was a lot of expectations on our team and what we were able to do going into the season. We were the predicted No. 1 team in the LA Times poll. That stirred up a lot of hype. We did not live up to that hype. It was not our best year, it was not my best year. The coaches were starting a sophomore QB with a young team. It was a fun year but we had a lot of goals that we did not achieve. We left a lot on the field in the fourth quarter.”

How did you grow or in what ways did you expand your game as a quarterback during the 2015 season?

“There is no better way to mature as a quarterback than experience. I got a whole season as a varsity starter in last year. As a freshman I started the last game of the season against Crespi. That was an eye opening experience. I got knocked on my chin in that game. I knew I had to put in work. Coming into last season, I did a lot of work with Coach (Dean) Herrington (former Alemany head coach). I tried to better myself, I tried to have better pocket presence, and get better in different situations.

“After my sophomore season I can say I have matured a lot on and off the field. It is an experience that has been a blessing. Coach Herrington has taught me a lot for things on and off the field. We’ve been working with my footwork. I feel like I have worked on my tangibles and things I needed to work on as a quarterback to get better. The one area I needed to improve on was in the classroom area of football and my football IQ. Going into my junior season I am happy where I am with my maturity. Going through some tough times that will make me better.”

What are some of the things you do well as a quarterback with the ball in your hands?

“I normally don’t like to talk about myself, but if I were to break myself down as a QB. The QB has the most important role. You have to be a leader. As a sophomore, young guys get a hard wrap taking on a leadership role. Some guys do not like that. I matured as a leader, I became more vocal. The point at quarterback, you have to be the guy to make plays with your feet or your arm. Being a pro-style quarterback, I feel that my running ability is underrated. I can make any throw on the field. I have that confidence. I can make a play with my feet too. That is something that goes a long way.

“Another thing is being smart with the ball and managing the game. Going into last year I did not have an emphasis on that. As the season went along I got better at managing the game and putting our team into position to win came into focus by season’s end. We were neck and neck by the end of the year with a lot of teams.”

What type of offense will Chaminade run in 2016?

“We will run the same offense that we ran at Alemany – a spread offense. We got a stud in the backfield. Our running back is the best in California and arguably in the country. I will take some snaps under center. We’re lining up in different formations but mainly running the spread.”

Have you set goals for yourself for the upcoming season?

“Personal goals, not yet. I’m focused on the team and bonding with them. Personal goals and achievements are great but team goals are more important to me. A league title is important (Mission League). After league, then CIF and state. We have to win league first. We are working hard as a team. I think the sky is the limit for us. We can do it.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last year?

“I was on Cal-Hi Sports All-Sophomore team and second team All-Mission League.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to a few. I went to Michigan and Michigan State, Washington and Arizona State for a visit, and an Oregon State satellite camp. With Chaminade as my focus on the team, I did not go across the country to go to as many camps as I would’ve want to.”

You have a lot of teams that are showing interest in you. Which teams are showing the most right now that have not offered?

“Michigan and Michigan State. I’ve been highly in touch with Michigan State. A new school making their way in is Tennessee. I’ve been talking to them more. UCLA, being in their backyard. I camped with them as well. Other Pac-12 schools are Oregon and Arizona.”

Do you have plans to take any unofficial visits before the season begins or during the season?

“I have no plans to take a visit before the season begins. Washington was my last one. Going into the season I might make a few games if I can.”

When you’ve talked to the various college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your play as a quarterback?

“I really think they like my confidence and the throws that I can make. I like going to the camps showing I can make any throw that want. I’m smaller than other quarterbacks. I do not have the max arm strength but I can make all the throws. Being smart is another thing. My classroom sessions, 7v7 abilities, and reading defenses – I can shine at those as well.”

There has been a great push for junior quarterbacks to commit early so colleges can recruit around said player and also for the quarterback to claim his spot with a school. Have you started thinking about if you will commit early?

“If I did commit early, I believe it would be after my junior season. It could be earlier. I am really strong into committing after my season in January or February. There is so much time and so many schools, and so much that can happen with my season. New offers could come in and change things. I want to take some time to make a decision.”

When you make that decision, what are some of the things on your checklist that you look at with a given school?

“I definitely focus on the academics first. The school has to be a school where I can get a good degree, be challenged academically, and get the degree I want. I don’t focus on swag and facilities; that is extra. I look at who is running the program, the offense the run, can I see myself in the offense, and which quarterbacks are going there. What is the depth chart? Can I be happy at that school without football? I will be at a school four to five years, I have to be happy there. That is my focus.”

How has the transfer from Alemany to Chaminade gone so far?

“It has been fantastic so far. Everyone welcomed me with open arms. I’ve bonded with my teammates well. I picked up the offense quickly. It was a challenge. I had doubts in my head but after a month or two, I feel I have a hang of it and know all of our plays. I’m feeling confident going into the season.”

How does Chaminade look heading into the season? Do you guys look strong?

“Yeah, we do. When we go to camp we will have a better idea. I am impressed. Our linemen are young and improving. We will be a young team so we’ll have to step up and play. At the skill positions, we have guys. We have to stay healthy. Our defense will make plays so will our offense. If we execute we will be a force to be reckoned with this year.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are getting excited to play already?

“Of course. Once you get the schedule you always look over it. We do have a big game in Week 1 (Oaks Christian) and Week 2 (St. Bonaventure). We get Oaks Christian in Week 1, we will be challenged early at their place. That will be televised on Fox. Matt Carrol (quarterback) is a friend of mine over there who is not too bad (laughs). It is great competing early in the season. All of our league games will be tough. Alemany is probably looking forward to our game. I’m looking forward to Oaks Christian and our league games.”

Brevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: White family; Brevin White with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Photo credit: calhisports.com; Brevin White with Alemany (2015).

Photo credit: White family; Brevin White (right) with Brad Salem (QB coach – middle) and Dave Warner (co-offensive coordinator – left).