Interview: 4-Star 2022 Virginia RB Tevin White has Recruiting Visits in Mind
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The talents for Class of 2022 all-purpose back Tevin White are pretty amazing, and we have not even seen the full display yet. The North Stafford High School standout was in a pass-heavy Spread set during the 2019 season adapting his game along the way to a 9-5 run. White covered 449 yards on the ground while pulling in 21 passes for 252 yards with five trips into the end zone against 5A Virginia competition. The blazing speed, moves, balance and power have helped White earn All-Utility and second team All-County running back honors on the field along with four-star recruiting status and 18 offers off it.
The Wolverines are expected to ground and pound more this season giving the rest of the Division I landscape an opportunity to see how the 6-1, 205-pound, back can control and wear out a defense for four quarters. With the change on offense, a change for him is coming on defense going from a part-time player to a starter in the Wolverines’ secondary.
In an RNG in-depth interview, White updates us on his offseason workouts, 2020 roles, and breaks down his recruiting process ahead of a big junior season.
Interview
Tevin, you were a true all-purpose back last season doing everything possible out of the backfield for the Wolverines. Once the season ended, what did you feel you were able to showcase of your talents?
As a running back, I was really good at catching the ball out of the backfield. At receiver, I was good at catching off the line and being versatile on offense. My biggest strength was making a player miss in space. I will get a big gain off a one-on-one matchup.
What offensive set were you guys running last season and how were the coaches feeding you the pigskin?
We mostly did a Spread in the shotgun, nothing too special. Half of what I was doing was catching out of the backfield on out routes and flares. I did a lot of inside zone runs and flare passes.
Your speed is a difference maker, how fast are you?
The most accurate time I have in the 40 is from my freshman year, I have not run any updated 40s since. My team in the 40-yard dash my freshman year was a 4.54. I have not gone to a recent combine running the 40.
Last season the coaches put you in some at corner, how did that go?
They put me in a tiny bit. I was there as a backup.
We will move along then. What drills and exercises have you been doing to boost all that speed?
Working with my trainer a lot, we do a lot of core work. I feel that is what I need to make everything work. We also work on my balance and leg work for power and explosion.
As a running back and receiver, what have you been fine-tuning over the last couple of months?
To stay competitive, I’ve been doing some 7v7 stuff and working on my one-on-one skills. If you beat your man one-on-one, it will be good.
What about with your skills as a defensive back? Are you taking on a bigger role in the secondary this season?
Mostly likely, but I am not sure yet. I think I will be starting at safety, nickel, or corner.
How has fall camp with the Wolverines gone so far?
We would have already started by now, we can’t because of the virus. Right now, we have a jumbled schedule. Everything is set to begin in late winter. At the end of the year I think we will pick it up.
Going into recruiting, which schools are watching your progress as we get closer and closer to the start of the season?
I’d say Auburn is showing some interest and Florida State.
College programs are liking what they are seeing in your skills. How many offers do you have?
Eighteen.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Rutgers, I’ve been keeping a lot of contact with them, Arizona State, South Carolina, UNC-Charlotte, and Michigan State.
White’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Boston College, Charlotte, Duke, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas State, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
Nice. Did you get any visits in before the dead period began in March?
Right before all this happened, I visited Duke. That was my second time up there. That was the only college I went to this spring.
That’s cool. What did you do and see during the Duke visit?
They took us around the campus and showed us all the trademarks on their campus. One of their biggest trademarks is the chapel, I loved it. We were there for a game day, I got to see that game day environment and saw the players. It was really cool.
Virtual visits are being taken to help give an idea to what is on campus and what a university has to offer. Have you had a chance to take any of those yet?
Yes. When the virus started, I went to Tennessee and saw their campus. They did a virtual tour with me, that was nice. I did the same thing at Virginia Tech. We went right to Virginia Tech after seeing Tennessee’s campus.
Once the opportunity presents itself, are there any visits planned or visits you’d like to take?
Yes, but no dates have been set. I’d like to visit Georgia, Penn State, and Duke.
Tevin, it was great covering ground with you today. Wishing you and the Wolverines success preparing this fall for the 2020 season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: White family; Tevin White at Georgia