Illinois Football: Illini recruit Ethan White wants to build legacy

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 14: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 14: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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I believe the Illinois football team will continue building a great offensive line with the next few classes.

In order to do this, the Illini need to recruit talented offensive linemen who will help the program. That is what I believe Ethan White could do. He is a talented recruit who was excited about the offer from Lovie Smith and the Illini coaching staff.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said White, “Illinois is a program on the rise right now, and it’s cool to know they’re interested in having me be a part of that.”

White is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle from Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, Florida. He is rated as a three-star recruit who has an overall Rivals ranking of 5.6. White’s Illinois offer is added to the other solid offers he has already received. Among the current offers, North Carolina has been the one who is recruiting him the hardest. He also told the Writing Illini the Florida Gators have started talking to him as well.

This doesn’t mean Illinois is out of the running, though. They might be new to the mix, but White likes the chance to blaze his own trail. He let me know what makes Illinois an attractive destination.

“The chance to go in and be a part of making a legacy and not adding to somebody else’s,” said White.

I really like White as a player. He brings a lot to the table and the first thing that catches my eye is his size. He comes in at 6-foot-5, 315-pounds, and he still has his senior year to play in high school. He might not be done growing and that is exciting.

White’s physical abilities will only get him so far at the next level. That is why I really like what he can do as far as fundamentals go. When coming off the line, he continues to drive his feet and doesn’t just use his arms. He keeps pushing and being a force. That is what I want for the Illini.

I also like White’s ability to get to the next level of the defense. He is quick for his size and can get into the linebackers. This will enable the offense to get more yards and possibly break big plays.

White continues to think about his recruitment. When asked about official visits or cutting down his list, he let the Writing Illini know where he stands.

“No not yet, but I have some top schools in my head right now,” said White, “I’ll officially cut down my list after spring so I can see who all I will get offers from that I would consider.”

Next: Illini depth chart with Samba Kane and Tevian Jones

There is a lot to like about White’s game. He is an extremely talented player who will continue to rope in scholarship offers. Hopefully, the Illini can make a good enough pitch to land him.