SC backer has all the tools
LOVEJOY, Ga.-There is no question that Blythewood (S.C.) linebacker Charles White has all of the physical tools to be a Division I-A prospect.
But what has been in question has been where recruiters can find White.
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White is one of those prospects that has seemingly gotten caught in the shuffle of a new school opening in his school attendance zone. Blythewood High, where he will play in 2006, was carved out of Columbia (S.C.) Ridge View High and did not field a varsity football team in 2005.
Because of a South Carolina High School League transfer rule, White played for Ridge View while attending Blythewood with the understanding that he was going to play for BHS when the school fielded a varsity team this season.
Therefore, there was some confusion as to where recruiters should send correspondence.
"All of his letters were going to Ridge View," father Charles White Sr. said.
According to confirmed times from his trainers, the 6-foot, 208-pounder runs a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and a 4.2-second pro agility shuttle. On film, he has good lateral movement skills and is a big hitter.
"I get downhill and I love contact," the younger White said. "Other people say that I am explosive, but I just like to have fun. I like to hit people and I love to play football."
So with Charles the linebacker's location in question but his athletic ability not, both Whites have been hitting the road attempting to gain exposure for the younger Charles. Two weeks ago, the pair drove to Coral Gables, Fla., to visit the University of Miami.
"Miami is great," the younger White said. "I understand why there is a lot of hype surrounding the university. When you're at Miami, it has a certain attitude about it. You can tell that you are at the 'U'.
"I saw Deion Sanders walking around. I met Antrel Rolle's mom. The U is a special place."
White also sat down and reviewed his film with Hurricanes defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
Last Saturday, White attended the Rivals.com Junior Day at Lovejoy High in suburban Atlanta. He measured in at 6-feet, 208-pounds and gained a lot of insight from the program.
"I got a lot of insight into the recruiting process," White said. "He (Rivals.com speaker Joe Hornback) got into a lot of stuff that I didn't already know a whole lot about. So I definitely learned a lot."
According to White, Wake Forest, N.C. State and South Carolina all would like him to visit unofficially this spring, but he may wait to visit schools until after he finishes training for spring practice.
"I just want to get back to playing football right now," he said. "We'll see which schools come through with scholarship offers and then we'll go from there."
White says that Kentucky may be the first. The Wildcats have indicated that they may offer. Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Duke and Georgia Tech also have been sending letters and showing interest.
There are schools that are near the top of White's wish list, including the hometown South Carolina Gamecocks and a couple of regional programs that are perennial bowl teams.
"The University of South Carolina, Virginia Tech and N.C. State," White said. "South Carolina is close to home. I love what (Gamecocks head coach) Steve Spurrier is doing there. They are starting to get that attitude like Miami has. As soon as he became the coach, Columbia changed a little bit.
"Virginia Tech always wins. A friend of mine, (South Carolina linebacker signee) Rodney Paulk loved his visit when he went up there. Virginia Tech is Virginia Tech. I want to find out more about them and hope I get a call from them.
"With N.C. State, one of the coaches from up there has been in contact with me and I like his style. I saw them play Clemson a couple of times and they are a good ball club."
White will attend either the Clemson or Athens NIKE Camp.