White hopes to carry on family tradition at Arkansas

Walker White

One of the state’s brightest young football prospects got a chance to show off his skills Thursday at an Arkansas camp.

Little Rock Christian sophomore quarterback Walker White (6-3, 200), worked with Razorbacks offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kendal Briles.

“I think today went really well," White said. “There were a few balls I was mad about, but overall I think I did really well. Briles says I have a heck of a cannon. There’s some passes where I take a little bit off of it and he’s really pleased with that.

“He likes to see me drill it in there and also give a little touch sometimes, and I think I did pretty well with that today. He was really just complimenting me. I’m excited to see where I go.”

He's the younger brother of Arkansas redshirt freshman receiver John David White and freshman infielder-outfielder Zac White.

White, who already has offers from Tulsa and Central Arkansas, believes he picked up some tips from Briles.

“I got a little bit better and more in rhythm with my footwork," he said, "and meeting up with all different types of receivers, and also I got to just see the field better. They helped me see where my reads are supposed to go and the coverage and what the responsibilities are for the defense.”

White’s family has a long history of being Razorbacks, in addition to his two brothers.

White’s great-grandfather Harold “Greasy” Rees played football for the Razorbacks; his grandfather John Rees played receiver from 1968-70; and his uncle John Aaron Rees played from 2005-2008.

His father, David, also played golf at Arkansas in the early 1990s and his other brother, Cooper Walker was a senior receiver at Pulaski Academy this past season and will be a student at the UA in the fall.

“It’s pretty sweet,” White said of working out on the campus many in his family have played on collegiately. “I’ve been here quite a few times, so it’s kind of starting to feel normal to me, but I also still try to make it as competitive as possible and try to make myself in the zone. I like to get my mindset right and know that I don’t have a scholarship here yet.

“I’m trying to get those big-time offers and just keep working and show them what I got.”

He believes he has a great relationship with Briles.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” White said. “He loves my brother, John David, and I think that’s helped out a lot. I just want him and the other coaches to know that my work ethic, it’s going to beat out others and it’s going to be over anyone else.

"I know I have that mindset and I feel like me and Briles are growing closer every time we see each other."

He is hopeful for an Arkansas offer.

“Obviously, it would be really meaningful because my whole family came here and is still here,” White said. “It would just be very emotional knowing that I have completed something that I’ve wanted for so long and that I know would make my family proud as well.”

White led Little Rock Christian’s ninth grade team to a 10-0 season in 2020 and then moved up to the high school team and served as the backup quarterback. He played some receiver as well.

His most extensive action came against Vilonia in a game in which he rushed 12 times for 228 yards and completed 10 of 17 passes for 176 yards and 5 touchdowns.

White wants to have a coming out party next season as a sophomore and has some lofty goals.

“To be the biggest quarterback, if not in Arkansas, in the country,” White said. “To be the best known upcoming sophomore and to just show out with what I really have.”

He has been dealing with a groin injury.

“It does not (impact) my passing,” White said. “It’s just my running. I can’t really go full speed yet. I’m working with Rod Tillman right now, trying to get it better. I feel like I’m still able to be really accurate and throw really hard without it hurting.”

The offers from Tulsa and UCA after camps have him feeling confident.

“It’s making me realize that the hard work and extra hours really do pay off," he said. "I’ll be the last guy in the indoor, just throwing in the net by myself, just working on my game.

"I’m going to continue to do that and even more.”