Notre Dame Football – 2017 Freshman Breakdown – Drew White

Notre Dame landed an All-State linebacker from the highest level of high school football in Florida.

Drew White – LB – 6’1, 220 lbs. – Ft. Lauderdale, FLA – St. Thomas Aquinas

Notre Dame made a great effort in the latter part of the 2017 recruiting cycle. Fortunately, they signed six players in the last two weeks ending on February 1.

But, there were several recruits who verbally committed early and an important one to note is Drew White.

White is a 6’1’’ 220 lb. linebacker from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is listed as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports and Scout.

His list of college offers certainly doesn’t match his rankings. His offer list included: Ohio State, Michigan, L.S.U., Arkansas, Wisconsin, Missouri, North Carolina State, West Virginia and others.

He led his team to a third straight state championship. During the regular season, he had 86 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. In the state championship game, White had eight tackles and three sacks.

Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Director of Recruiting states:

"“Out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, Drew White has been arguably their best defensive player the last two years. A downhill thumper that flows to the football, seemed to live in the backfield and is a reliable tackler in space”.*"

Click here for the source article

White is known for his athleticism and that he is a big hitter who is a fundamentally sound tackler. Also, he moves well laterally and is always around the ball.

Probably the best news about White is that he can play all linebacker positions. His versatility will help the defense for years to come.

Which linebacker position he ends up ling up at will likely depend on how he develops physically.

Click here to watch Drew White’s senior season Hudl highlights

Projection

As a freshman, due to his size and the current depth at the linebacker position, White will either see duties on special teams or build his physique and work on his craft while red shirting. He shows a lot of promise and high-end traits.

A red shirt year could be imperative to his development.

Long-term, White has all the tools to become a multi-year starter for the Irish. His position flexibility as it relates to the linebacker position is a plus. Coming from such a strong program, his knowledge level is high which will help him get off to a great start in Elko’s defense.

Must Read: 2017 Freshman Break Down - Jordan Genmark-Heath

The addition of Drew White to the 2017 Class along with David Adams and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will enhance the linebacker position group. Even though he is rated a three-star prospect, White with good coaching and time in the weight room will make a great impact for the Fighting Irish during his career.