WATCH: Devin White UA jersey presentation
Devin White was presented with an Under Armour All-America jersey on Wednesday afternoon, in a ceremony attended by friends and family.
The do-it-all running back, linebacker and kick returner for North Wesbter High in Northwest Louisiana has an appreciation for being one of 90 players out of thousands to be selected for the Under Armour All-America Game.
“This is a big honor to me because there are a lot of 2016 players that don’t get this opportunity,” said White. “Being selected out of the thousands that would love to be in the game carries a lot of meaning for me. I had invites to both games (the UA game and the Army All-American Bowl), but I chose Under Armour because it prepares you well for what is to come in college.”
#ESPN300 @DevinWhite_40 received his Under Armour @AllAmericaGame jersey today. pic.twitter.com/ZyS5QGs2fU
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) September 16, 2015There have been a number of Under Armour All-America Game selections from the Pelican State, but White is one of a handful from the Northwest part of the state. That is not lost on the 6-foot-0, 255-pound jack-of-all-trades.
“It means a lot. It means I’m representing Northwest Louisiana, and making it more known. The fans and people appreciate everything I do, and I like to make the people of Northwest Louisiana proud.”
On the recruiting front, White is taking the process slow, with the No. 1-goal winning a state championship this season.
“I want to focus on my senior season and winning a state championship," White said. "I want it so bad. I do have a top 10 list right now, but will cut it down to a top 5 or maybe six during the season. I plan to make my official visits in December and January. There is the possibility I will make one official during the season.”
White’s Top 10 includes LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas. He plans to announce his decision on national signing day on ESPN.
Seven questions with Devin White:
What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?
With me playing linebacker in the game, I guess I want to test myself against another linebacker like Dontavious Jackson. I like his attitude, and how he gets after it.
If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be and why?
No doubt, Shea Patterson. His football IQ is awesome, he’s a great passer and leads by example. Patterson is the type of quarterback you want by your side.
What is your earliest football memory?
Earliest would be when I was 10. I played wide receiver, and I would take passes to the crib. I was tall and lanky when I was a young kid. That’s why I catch the ball so well now as a running back.
Which football player did you watch as a kid?
Marshawn Lynch. I started watching him when he was at Cal. I like the physicality of his running style. If I had to pick one, it would be him.
If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?
I want to play LeBron James. Just that he is 6-8, 260-pounds -- a freak of nature. It would be great to go against him in any sport. He can make you expand what you do.
What number do your wear, and why?
I wear number 40. I know it’s not really a running back number, but my dad wore 40. He was a really good, recruited basketball player. It kind of blew up my freshman year, so I have decided to stick with it.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Just how smart I am. I take a lot of honors classes. Most people think of football players as not caring about academics, but I care a lot. God gave me brains as well as athletic ability.