Interview: 2019 California DB Jordan White Covers Eastern Washington Official
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Everything was a sealed deal for Class of 2019 athlete Jordan White, all he had left to do was take his official visit. Before a senior season that included 31 receptions for 544 yards with seven scores, four kick returns covering 134 yards, and time in Chaparral High School’s secondary coming up with nine tackles and a pick, White had unofficially visited Eastern Washington over the summer feeling that instant “home” connection. On Dec. 2, 2018, the 6-0, 185-pound, California product verbally committed to the Eagles following through with his word putting his signature to paper during the early signing period.
Over the weekend, White got to take the all-too special official visit to Cheney, but not as a prospect still deliberating but as a future Eagle. To get the inside scoop on the visit, I sat down with White for a one-on-one.
*Click link for Dec. 13, 2018, RNG interview with Jordan White
Interview
Jordan, on Saturday you finally got to take your official visit to Eastern Washington. Overall, how did it go?
“It was great. When I went up there last summer, I felt welcomed. When I went up there for my official, the players remembered my name; that was shocking. They were happy I had signed early. They took me out, showed me around, and made me feel like I was at home.”
If you will, walk me through all that you did?
“On Friday, we landed around 1:00. All the coaches had a designated player they picked up. Mine was defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding. “Coach J” picked me up in a really nice car. We went to the campus, saw the dorms, and then went to dinner. Our host took us out in Spokane.
“Saturday was all football. We got to see all the gear, ate a fancy breakfast, they even turned on the jumbotron showing us season highlights. That night the players took us to the local spots and showed us all the activities – places to eat, stuff like that. It was a nice experience.”
What did you think of the facilities?
“They have a dope weight room. They have new turf in there for the indoor facility. They put a lot of money into their weight room and locker room; that was something I have never seen before. They take athletics seriously. On the academic side, they showed us the dorms and science buildings – everything has been updated. They take care of their school.”
When you had a chance to cover football with the coaches on Saturday, did they talk about where they see you fit into their scheme?
“Yes. When I did my one-on-one with head coach Aaron Best and with Coach J, Coach J and I talked ball. He knows the game, he is very intelligent. I am glad I will be learning from him. He will elevate my game. We looked at the different coverages they run and he showed me a little bit of what is going on so I could go home and look at it. I fit perfectly.”
Which position do they see you playing?
“They see me playing safety. In their defense, everyone does a little bit of everything. Defensive linemen drop back into coverage and safeties blitz. They do not run a simple defense, they are always giving different looks. It will be fun to play.”
What did you and Coach Best talk about during your one-on-ones?
“Coach Best, he is my guy. We did not talk a lot of ball, we talked about life after college. It was more like how to turn a student-athlete into a man. That hit me and mom in a positive way. He wants to see us succeed in the classroom and on the field. He will stay on us no matter what. That is what is needed to have a special team.”
Did the coaches give you things to work on this offseason?
“Yes. I plan on going to summer camp, even though it is not mandatory. I will continue to work on my speed and winning without my hands, not relying just on my aggressiveness. I bully receivers. I need to show I can use my feet and I can play off-man coverage. Most think I can’t because of my size. Coach J will help me get it right.”
If you are going to be up there for summer camp, when will you report?
“I graduate on June 6 and fall camp starts the beginning of August. I will get up there as soon as I can so I can go through the workouts and get adjusted to everything before school and camp starts up in the fall.”
Are you helping recruit other players?
“Definitely. When I went up there on Jan. 11, that is when they had most of their top recruits there. We built that bond. I think the other recruits realize that when they come to Eastern Washington it is not when but how many rings we will win. Team is built on brothership and playing together. I think we will bring them all in and have a fantastic four to five seasons.”
What is your pitch to recruits still trying to make their final decision?
“When I talk to them, each recruit had one with the other, I roomed with Trey. We spent a lot of time with the other guys talking. We sat down to talk ball a couple of times. With me locked in early, that threw them off. They asked me why did you commit and sign early? I told them I got the home feeling last year when I was here. I felt wanted. It is hard to get both of those at once.
“I also tell them it is not a question if or when we get one, but how many rings. If we can bring the 2019 class together that the coaches are recruiting, we can make the best four- five-year run in school history. It is more than just the game of football here, it is deeper than that building the bond.”
After the official visit, are you pumped and ready to go?
“Yes. I am ready to get up there, dominate, and play my heart out. I am grateful to the coaches for this opportunity.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today updating me on the official visit. Good luck with your continued workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: White family; Jordan White at EWU