TJ White

Physical Profile

White owns a rocked-up frame, listed between 6-foot-1.5 and 6-foot-3 and weighing between 230 and 240 pounds. While not possessing elite height for an edge rusher, he compensates with exceptional length, including 34-inch arms, and notable twitchiness. A multi-sport athlete who also participates in track and field, he demonstrates rare closing speed for his size and an explosive first step. This athletic profile allows him to play with power and leverage, effectively converting speed to power.

Play Style

On film, White is a hybrid defender who lives in the opponent's backfield. His snap count is heavily weighted towards playing on the edge, where his explosive first step and ability to dip and rip around the corner are evident. He is highly effective on stunts and delayed blitzes, building momentum as he charges downhill. As a run defender, he displays impressive hash-to-hash range and is a reliable tackler, frequently making stops in backside pursuit. While less experienced in off-ball situations, he has shown comfort when dropping into space in camp settings.

Strengths

• Explosive pass-rushing ability, primarily off the edge, where his get-off and ability to flatten around tackles make him a menace to quarterbacks.
• Excellent block-shedding technique, using power and leverage to play through contact and navigate traffic in the box.
• Versatility to play both on and off the ball, with experience as a hybrid rush backer and developing skills in pass coverage.
• High motor and relentless effort, consistently creating negative plays through backside pursuit and a high-energy playing style.

Areas to Improve

• Continued development as an off-ball linebacker, particularly in pass drops and coverage responsibilities, as much of his high school film shows him rushing the passer.
• Consistency in playing with ideal pad level, which will be crucial when setting the edge against larger offensive tackles at the collegiate level.
• Adding more pass-rush moves to his arsenal to complement his speed and power rushes.

College Projection

White projects as a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff-caliber team. His versatility makes him a valuable chess piece for a creative defensive coordinator. He could see early playing time in a situational pass-rushing role, with the potential to develop into a three-down linebacker as he gains more experience in coverage. Given his early enrollment, he has a head start on learning the playbook and getting acclimated to the college level.

NFL Outlook

With his combination of explosiveness, versatility, and a high motor, TJ White has the upside to be a day-two NFL Draft pick (2nd-3rd round). His draft stock will be heavily influenced by his ability to develop into a well-rounded linebacker who is equally adept at playing the run, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage. If he can successfully transition to a more traditional linebacker role while retaining his pass-rushing prowess, he could be a highly sought-after prospect.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that utilizes multiple fronts and values versatility from its linebackers would be an ideal fit for White. A system that allows him to be used as both a stand-up edge rusher on passing downs and a traditional inside or outside linebacker on early downs would maximize his unique skillset. His ability to blitz from various alignments would be a significant asset.