Film Study: Notre Dame CB commit Ashton White
CB commit Ashton White, 5-11, 182, Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara
The numbers: White totaled 58 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as a senior. He also caught 10 passes for 112 yards on offense. Bishop McNamara (4-7) finished the season with a loss in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference semifinals.
The rankings: 247Sports – Three stars, No. 39 ATH. Rivals – Three stars, No. 74 CB.
FILM BREAKDOWN
First impression: White is a well-rounded cornerback prospect with polished coverage skills. He possesses a good mix of ball skills and physicality. White could be an asset as a nickelback during the early part of his Notre Dame career.
Strengths: White has a big toolbox when it comes to coverage skills. He’s not afraid to be physical and will play press coverage at times. He has fluid hips which allow him to backpedal and change direction smoothly. When the ball is in the air, White has a knack for getting a hand on it. His ball skills are also on display when playing wide receiver. His coverage instincts put him in the right spot and help him recognize how the receiver is trying to beat him. White also recognizes screens well and is willing to lower his shoulder to make a tackle.
He did what? (:38) White diagnoses a screen pass and avoids being blocked by the wide receiver in front of him. He makes a quick path to the ball carrier and wraps him up for a tackle behind the line of scrimmage ... (2:48) White starts lined up across from the widest receiver and drops into coverage with him. But his coverage instincts quickly kick in and he recognizes the quarterback targeting a receiver crossing into the area he just left. White leaves the original receiver and arrives at the intended receiver as soon as the ball does to break up the pass … (4:13) White shows his catching ability at wide receiver. The cornerback covering White hangs with him, but White uses his body to create separation at the last moment to make a touchdown catch. It’s a nice display of body control and an understanding of how to get to the ball.
Competition level: Bishop McNamara plays in the traditionally talented Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. The Mustangs played against a number of the best private school programs in the area surrounding Washington, D.C. The schedule included Gonzaga, which produced Irish cornerback Devin Butler, and Good Counsel, the alma mater of Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher.
Left to prove: As reflected in his three-star rating, White lacks a specific elite skill. He does a number of things well, but that will require him to raise the level of each one of those skills in college. He won’t be able to rely on being bigger, faster or stronger than the receivers he’s covering as a freshman. But with development on technique and a focus in the weight room, White could emerge a solid position player over time. His football instincts should help him stay steady through the transition.
tjames@ndinsider.com | 574-235-6214 | Twitter: @TJamesNDI
