Transfer Spotlight – Georgia Tech DE Keion White

At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history.  Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above).  In the Transfer Spotlight we take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2021.  Today we take a look at Georgia Tech DE Keion White who was a star in 2019 for ODU.

Stardom Interrupted

White was an unheralded tight end recruit in Old Dominion’s 2017 recruiting class. He redshirted in 2017 and played tight end for the Monarchs in 2018. White made 11 catches for 124 yards for the season, but was not a big part of the offensive game-plan. After the 2018 season, White switched from tight end to defensive end and his career trajectory changed.

The change in position was a huge success. Keion White was a menace on the defensive line in 2019. In just his second game as a defensive end, White played against Virginia Tech and recorded 8 tackles with 2 tackles for loss and .5 sacks. He would play another ACC opponent the next week against Virginia. Again, White was up to the challenge making 6 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and a blocked kick. White proved early in the year he could handle good competition and was on his way to becoming a star for the Monarchs. For the season, White tallied 64 tackles with 19 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovered and 1 interception.

Old Dominion did not play football in 2020 due to Covid and White decided to transfer out of the program. White decided to join Geoff Collins’ program at Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets finished 3 – 7 in 2020, but have been trending up on the recruiting trail and appear to be ready to turn the corner under Collins. White will attempt to be an impact pass rusher to help solidify the Yellow Jacket’s defense.

Keion White’s Potential

Keion White is a well built prospect at 6’4″ 267 lbs. He is an explosive player who has a quick first step and closes with good speed off the edge. White’s time as a tight end is evident in his mobility, change of direction skills and comfort in space. He can bend around the edge and arrives at the quarterback quickly. White has the traits to rush the passer, but he is much more than just a pass rusher.

White is strong at the point of attack and shoots gaps well to make plays in the backfield against the run. He retraces his steps against screens and can drop into coverage effectively in zone blitz schemes. White is still very raw as he is new to the defensive line and needs to get better with his hands and technique in the trenches. As he adds technique and polish to his game, White will be able to unlock his full potential and become an elite defensive end.

Outlook at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech allowed over 36 points per game on defense, but had some young talent on the defensive line. White will fit in well with Jordan Dominek and a young group of defensive linemen that showed promise in 2020. With White adding high end pass rushing potential opposite Dominek it will be difficult for teams to focus on either player. White’s addition will immediately improve the pass rush and defensive line depth.

Georgia Tech has attacked the transfer portal on the defensive side and has added talent in the back seven as well. With improved defensive line play, the second level defenders will be free to make plays in the running game and will not have to cover for a long time. The added talent and improved defensive line play should improve the play of the secondary as well, helping the Yellow Jackets to improve their play on the defensive side.

The Yellow Jackets have young playmakers on the offensive side as well. Quarterback Jeff Sims is an exciting player with a high ceiling and running back Jahmyr Gibbs is well on his way to becoming a star. As the offense gels and the younger players develop Georgia Tech should be in position to win more games in 2021. With an improved defense the Yellow Jackets will have a chance to navigate one of the tougher schedules in the ACC.

With Clemson, Notre Dame and Georgia on the schedule in addition to ACC Coastal opponents Miami, North Carolina and Virginia Tech, the 2021 schedule will be a challenge. By adding high end talent like White the Yellow Jackets are positioning themselves to be competitive. Georgia Tech has shown progress during Geoff Collins tenure, White is another player that will help the team continue to build towards the top of the conference.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Gear

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Wreck Image taken by Will Folsom is licensed under CC BY 2.0.