Interview: Ohio 4-Star RB/SS Jarell White Striving for 2,000 Yard Season in 2016
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
There are not too many teams that can essentially sit a 1,500-yard rusher coming off a 14-1 championship season, but that is what La Salle High School head coach Nate Moore was able to do with his talented Class of 2017 athlete Jarell White when the 2016 season kicked off.
White produced over 1,800 all-purpose yards notching over 30 touchdowns on his sophomore resume and then flipped the switch to full-time safety during his junior season, until the playoffs. The “Young Bull” picked right up where he left off carving out 355 yards off 63 carries with six scores adding four receptions for 51 yards helping bring home another Ohio state title for the Lancers after beating Perry 42-0 for the trophy. He also had an 85-yard-ish punt return for a touchdown showing his breakaway speed in the open field.
With White on the other side of the ball, he continued to draw recruiting attention coming up with 63 tackles, 1.5 tackles of a loss, a half sack, forced a fumble, and recovered four. The Cincinnati native was awarded second team All-State, first team All-Conference, and first team All-Tri State as a safety. Does not hurt to mention again that White was a 1,500 yard rusher in 2014.
A pretty fair comparison for White to a more recent collegiate player is former UCLA two-way star Myles Jack. White, like Jack, plays with a physicality above the rest and has a natural playmaking ability with the ball in his hands or when he is tracking the ball. Offers have rolled in for the 5’10”, 200 pound, recruit from top programs like Cincinnati, Miami (OH), Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kentucky, Purdue, and Toledo with programs like Michigan State seemingly on the verge of offering, especially after hosting White on two unofficial visits.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with White to cover his junior season, his offseason workouts, and got a recruiting news update.
Interview
Jarell, La Salle had another tremendous season in 2015. How do the Lancers look heading into 2016?
“I’m not sure right now, I’ve been running track. But from what I have heard, we look decent.”
After playing safety full-time during the 2015 regular season, what are some of the skills you have developed at that position?
“I’m a pursuit guy who can come down hill and make the play and I can cover anyone on the field.”
What about at running back? What are some of the things you do well coming out of the backfield?
“I’m a more aggressive runner. I can catch the ball out of the backfield and I can get the tough yards on third down.”
What are you working on this offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“I’m working on my speed and my hips.”
You played all over the field last season, where all might you line up in 2016?
“I’ll be at punt returner, kick returner, running back, safety, and you might see me in the slot every now and again.”
You’ve showed to be a dynamic player at both running back and safety. In your opinion, which position do you play better than the other?
“I don’t know to be honest. I can play both well.”
What are your goals for the 2016 football season?
“This year I want to hit the 2,000 rushing mark. My sophomore year I had 1,500 but I did not play running back until the playoffs last year.”
What was your best game last season, against who, and why do you consider that your best game?
“That would have to be against Perrysburg. We were down and they needed me on offense. I made some plays, I had a fumble recovery for a touchdown and I had two rushing touchdowns. I also held their key player down.”
You mentioned running track, which events do you participate in with track?
“The 100 (meters), 4×1, and 4×2.”
What is your PR (personal record) in the 100?
“11.4.”
What are you aiming to run in the 100 before your season is over?
“I’m aiming to get it down to a 10.9.”
You have a lot of offers, are you going to go to any college camps this summer to pick up other offers?
“No. I don’t do college camps.”
Are you going to any exposure camps?
“I went to the Under Armour camp this past weekend.”
How did you do at that camp?
“I did well. I showed my athleticism out of the backfield and caught the ball well.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I have been to Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Louisville and I plan on making a couple after the track season is over.”
Are there any schools pushing harder than the others for your commitment right now?
“No, it’s all the same. A lot of teams are keeping in touch with me.”
Of the schools that have not offered you, which schools are showing a lot of interest that could turn into an offer?
“Michigan State.”
Which teams are pursuing you as a safety?
“Pitt, Louisville, Kentucky, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, and Purdue.”
What is your time frame on making a decision on where you will play your college ball?
“I’m going to wait until after the season or near signing day.”
What are the main factors that will influence your college decision?
“I keep that to myself.”
How is everything going in the classroom for you?
“I have a 3.0 GPA.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No, I take my first test on June 11.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math.”
Have you started thinking about what you want to major in while in college?
“Sports management or being a real-estate agent.”
Is there a college or NFL player you like to watch play the game to pick up keys on how to play the game?
“No. Nobody.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“I love the game. I have been playing it since I was young and fell in love with it.”
Jarell, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season and upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: scout.com; No. 2 Jarell White.
Photo credit: dispatch.com; No. 2 Jarell White breaks free in the playoffs vs. Perry (2015).
Photo credit: dispatch.com; No. 2 Jarell White breaks free in the playoffs vs. Nordonia (2014).