Interview: 2019 Eastern Washington DB/ATH Commit Jordan White Updates Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2019 defensive back Jordan White did a little bit of everything for Chaparral High School in 2018 including lending his talents on offense as a receiver. The result was 31 receptions for 544 yards with seven trips into the end zone and a 9-tackle, 1-pick, and three passes defended season. As a return specialist he took four back for 134 yards and broke one for 80 yards. On Dec. 2, Eastern Washington wrapped up the Temecula area talent stealing one away from the neighboring Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference programs. To learn about it all – his game, senior season, and recruiting process with EWU, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Jordan, entering your senior year what goals did you set for yourself?

“I wanted at least five touchdowns, be one of the leading receivers on the team, and take us to the playoffs in our coach’s first season.”

How do you feel the 2018 season turned out for you personally based on the goals set and your play on the field?

“I think the season went really well. I did a good job on offense, on defense, and with my special teams contributions. I am very happy we made it to the playoffs.”

The kickoff you returned for a touchdown was a great play. You went to the outside, followed your blockers and used your field vision to get into the end zone. When you got around the edge and saw some open-field, take me through the rest of the play.

(Laughs) “Yeah. I hit the sideline and had some great blocks from Jamar and Brody. In my head I just wanted to make it to end zone. I had messed up on defense the series before, coach said you owe me. I made a few dudes miss and made up for my mistake. I have to give a shout out to my team for the blocks. That was my first time into the end zone for the that night.”

Your role on offense expanded greatly during your senior year, what prompted you to put your athletic talents to work as a receiver?

“The coaches came to me before the season because we had a lack of receivers. Since I transferred, I could not play the first five because of CIF transfer rules. During that time, I played receiver, running back, and scout team QB. I did everything I could to help my team prepare. During that time, my coaches saw my athleticism and had me play some receiver this season.”

How did your play on defense improve as a defensive back throughout your senior year?

“It improved a lot. Coach Hawthorne, our DB coach, came in and taught me patience, how to stay with the receiver, and how to go get the ball. He turned me from an athletic beast to a humble monster.”

I like that. What are the strengths of your abilities as a defender?

“My strengths are coming down making tackles, my athletic ability, and I can play the ball. I also play basketball, my leaping abilities help on the field. My hips and patience at the line, I don’t have to rely on my strength. I can ride it out with the receiver.”

And on offense, what are some of the things you do well on that side of the ball?

“On offense, Coach Byrd did a great job of teaching me footwork, coming back to the ball, and planting. I can cut on a dime and go get it.”

Is there an area of your game that you feel gets overlooked?

“I feel overlooked overall. But, the part of my game that gets overlooked maybe the most is my patience. They think I am just a big guy, but that is not the case. I know how to win individual battles with receivers and keep my eyes on their hips. My blocking as receiver is another overlooked part. That played a big part in our game. We have great guys that can get loose, Stanley and Koale, on a jet sweep. I will block for them to help them make plays.”

What is your weight room development this offseason?

“My coaches did a great job putting us on a great weight lifting plan. Now they are preparing me for college football. They are just great coaches. Coach Hess is more than just a strength and conditioning coach, he is like a life coach. They have looked out for me. Coach Hess is a great coach, he’s like a father to me.”

You verbally committed to Eastern Washington on Dec. 2, when did you take your first visit to Cheney?

“I went during the offseason.”

It obviously went well, in your words how did it go overall?

“It went great. The players and coaches welcomed me like family, that is why I committed there. They treated me like a person not just a football player. I have built a very good relationship with Coach Cherokee (Valeria – cornerbacks/RC) and the staff.”

You mentioned how they treated you during the recruiting process, what other reasons drew you to Eastern Washington?

“They have a winning football program. They are one of the top teams in Big Sky. They are all about hard work, and the school is in a college town. They live and breathe football there. I think that is great.”

When do you take your official to EWU?

“We have planned my official for Jan. 11.”

What has you excited about visiting the staff and school during your official?

“I am looking forward to meeting all the coaches again. I want to go back up there and build that bond with everyone. I want to talk to some of the players, talk to teachers, and learn more about school. Academics does play a big part of me going to Eastern Washington.”

Before I let you go, do you have any last words or anything you’d like to share?

“Yes. I want to give a shout out to my team for a great season and thank them for making it one of the best seasons I have ever had.”

Jordan, I appreciate your time today and good luck with your workouts in preparation for your freshman season at EWU.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Chaparral HS; No. 3 Jordan White