By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia needed to get help up front and the Mountaineers have gotten that in the form of a verbal commitment from Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha offensive lineman Jordan White.
White, 6-foot-3, 310-pounds, had been committed to Maryland since March but elected to open things up in November and the Mountaineers wasted little time getting involved.
First, a scholarship offer was given to the versatile interior linemen and then the program secured an official visit for the Dec. 13 weekend. That was all that was needed.
The Rivals.com three-star prospect selected Neal Brown’s football program over offers from LSU, Mississippi and several others, but the race came down to WVU and Syracuse. Cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, along with offensive line coach Matt Moore, served as the lead recruiters, and their efforts were enough to get the interior option in the fold.
Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Analyst Adam Friedman has scouted White in person multiple times and believes he is a solid pickup for the Big 12 Conference program on and off the field.
“Obviously it’s a big opportunity for West Virginia and this coaching staff in Maryland. Jordan is pretty well connected so this helps this class and future classes,” he said.
His future is likely at one of the offensive guard spots, although he is skilled enough to play center, and for now, Friedman has been impressed with his hands and his lateral quickness. White will have to get stronger at the next level which isn’t surprising but he has the tools to make an impact in a year or two.
For WVU, this is the 16th overall commitment in the 2020 class. Even with the pledge of White, it’s safe to assume that the program will take at least one more offensive lineman in the class. The Mountaineers hosted Brooklyn (N.Y.) ASA College offensive tackle Tairiq Stewart over the weekend as well and sit in a good spot for him as the Dec. 18 national signing day approaches.
