Phoebus RB Jaylen White (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Naval Academy targets Phoebus RB Jaylen White and serves first offer

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Two years ago, the running back unit at Phoebus held a steady combination of thunder and lightning. Daniel Wright represented the thunder while Jaylen White represented the lightning. At the conclusion of the 2017 season Daniel Wright announced his commitment to UVA-Wise and signed his NLI alongside Juan Purdie (Norfolk State), Tim Young (Howard), Damion Charity (Old Dominion) and DeQuandre Edwards (West Virginia Wesleyan). Anthony Turner would go on to see his role increase in the backfield this past season, however; White continued to be the primary option when healthy.

White’s (2020 RB 5-10 182) grit, determination, and discipline were on notice last season and finally caught the eye of the coaching staff at the United States Naval Academy. It was about time that his first collegiate offer came knocking at the door and the Midshipmen were there to package his much anticipated delivery.

“Coach Robert Green and I have just been texting a lot,” explained White. “I first texted him on Twitter then he gave me his number and we were talking for about three weeks. I asked him to talk to the head coach about me and Coach Green said to give him a call tonight. During school he called Coach Blunt to tell him that they are going to offer me. I’ve been working extra hard to get one and it’s not stopping just because I got an offer. I’m going to push even harder.”

Last season, White led the Phantoms on the ground rushing for 1,476 yards on 167 carries. He averaged almost six yards per carry and picked up 11 touchdowns. The Phoebus product secured All-Region first team recognition alongside Robert Briggs (Hopewell) and Rodney Hammond (BTW). He would also go on to pick up All-Peninsula District and All-757 recognition.

Over the next couple of months, White is prepared to travel to Maryland for a tournament with 7-v-7 powerhouse Mach1. He’s hoping to get the opportunity to tour the University of Maryland at the conclusion of the tournament. Also on the radar for White will be William & Mary, Navy and a few other programs yet to be named.

– Brandon Mitchell