Interview: 3-Star 2021 California OL Jason White is a Nasty Trench Hog
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are high school football players who think their team plays a tough schedule, and then there are those who actually suit up against the best of the best in the nation week after week. Playing in California’s Trinity League guarantees games against two Top 5 nationally ranked teams (St. John Bosco and Mater Dei) and typically will include a third league team in the Top 30, a team like Servite or JSerra Catholic. During the 2019 season, Orange Lutheran not only squared off against their nationally ranked league foes, but also took on teams nationally ranked in Centennial and Narbonne. Through all the action against five-, four-, and three-star national recruits, right tackle Jason White was leading the way in the trenches for the Lancers.
There are few offensive linemen like White. Some trench hogs get after defenders off size or strength, and others have quickness – White has it all. At 6-5, 280-pounds, White has the footwork of a power forward, the nasty streak of an All-American, and the strength to pancake defenders for four quarters. White’s showcase 2019 season brought about second team All-Trinity League honors and eight offers from the collegiate level. White got some time in on defensive during his junior campaign and will push that further during his senior season along with lining up at both left and right tackle giving college scouts a deeper look at his versatility and athletic talents.
In an RNG first-look, White sat down for a detailed one-on-one covering his skills and recruiting process.
Interview
Jason, you were taking on some of the best talent in the nation last season colliding with Trinity League competition. What is it like week to week taking on all those nationally ranked teams filled with five-, four-, and three-star players?
“You have to keep a clear head and realize that we are all human. Everyone of us puts on our pants one leg at a time. If you train and prepare, study and execute, you will be fine.”
You did a great job of anchoring your position at right tackle in the Lancers’ offense. What was the offensive set you guys were running?
“We ran a lot of pass plays last season. We did that because we had some QBs coming up. We ran the ball some because we had a senior running back who rushed for 1,000 yards. In the offense, we did trips running a Spread. What we did depended on the team we were playing.”
When it comes to pass-protecting, you do a great job of moving your feet and keeping your hands active. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a blocker on passing downs?
“Since I also play defense, I know what their agenda is. I know how they line up and what they are about to do, rush inside or outside. I am good with adjusting to the defender; I can get a wider base on a bigger player off a bull rush, they are not fast enough or quick enough to go inside. Against a faster guy, I have to be lighter and faster feet to keep up with his moves.”
On running plays, you are really able to use your size and strength to move defenders and finish plays. How did that part of your game improve during the 2019 season?
“It improved with my aggressiveness and technique. If you are too much power you will end up on your back. You have to balance that out using technique and physicality to move a man against his will.”
What have you been working on with your skillset this spring?
“This spring I have been working on pulling, we will pull more in our offense. I am working on finishing and aiming at the point of contact, on my footwork, and having a lower base, sometimes I am a little too high off the snap.”
As mentioned, you got some snaps in on defense last season, how did that go for you?
“It was good. I was a little injured. On my first snap on defense, one of the linebackers fell on my ankle. I was slow off the ball after that but I was still playing. It was a bad start, but it picked up. I got my mojo going by Game 2 or 3.”
When the 2020 season kicks off, what all will you be doing on the field?
“This season I will be moving around a lot. I am lining up at defensive tackle and end and right tackle or left tackle, and hopefully at fullback.”
Man, I want to see that. I feel for the linebacker you are clearing out this season as a fullback.
“If it happens, it will be fun.”
Before everything shutdown, did you get to max out in the weight room?
“No, not this year. They were putting in a new weight room, we did not get to max out before the virus hit. On my last max, on front squat I did 350, on deadlift I got 550, and my bench is 325.”
Nice. What has been your workout routine this spring to stay in shape?
“I get up and go on a run; I run three miles and then I ride my bike about five miles. Recently, I started going to a gym, I know the owner. I do 30 pullups, 50 push-ups, bench three sets of 12 at 185 pounds, 15 minutes on the treadmill, and dumb bell curls.”
Much of the camp season has been cancelled. If the college camps do happen, are there any you plan on going to this summer?
“I was going to the 5 on 5 Nico Trenches Camp, that was in March but the quarantine cancelled that camp. I was expected to go to the Opening Regional as well. If those camps happen, I will go to those. With college camps, if I can, I will go to camps at LSU and SC (USC).”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Hawaii, USC, Oklahoma, Fresno State – a lot, San Diego State, and Colorado.”
How many offers have been handed to you so far?
“Eight.”
White’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Florida, Kansas, Oregon State, Sacramento State, Utah, and Washington State
Going back to last season, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
“I took a visit to USC, watched them play UCLA, and went to UA (Arizona) to watch them play UCLA.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It was amazing. I was on the field, saw some of my former teammates that play there, saw the Trojan horse, that was cool, and met the coaches.”
And the Arizona trip, how did that turn out?
“That was nice too. We got to eat in the buffet room, watched their game, met the coaches, and tried on the jersey.”
Upcoming, are there any planned visits you may take?
“Probably one to LSU, Oregon State, and Kansas.”
Time for my virus buster. What have you been doing for fun during the quarantine?
“A lot of Zoom with friends, and a lot of baking. I have been teaching myself how to cook. Before the quarantine all I knew how to make was ice and cereal. I am doing more stuff that I have always wanted to do but did not have time.”
That’s awesome to know you are taking advantage of this time in that way. What are some of the other things you’ve always wanted to do but hadn’t until now?
“I am learning how to write a book.”
What genre is your book?
“Action and comedy.”
Jason, thanks for your time today and wishing you success with your workouts, cooking, and book writing.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: White family; Jason White at Notre Dame and USC