Playing QB was the key to Pickett-White’s choice

Deundre Pickett-White knows he has what it takes to be a successful quarterback at the college level.

One of Miami-Dade’s most prolific passers of all-time helped turn Southwest Miami’s football program into a consistent playoff team over the past four seasons, throwing 60 touchdown passes and passing for 5,237 yards.

But most Football Bowl Subdivision schools that offered the 6-foot, 193-pound prospect wanted to use Pickett-White’s skills at other positions.

It led one of Miami-Dade County’s top prospects, ranked No. 19 overall by the Miami Herald, to choose Alcorn State as his college destination this past weekend.

Alcorn State and South Alabama each offered Pickett-White, a former University of South Florida commitment whose dual-threat ability made him even more dangerous with a career total of 1,828 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

“When I committed to USF as a junior it was to play quarterback,” Pickett-White said. “But they wanted me to change to play cornerback or wide receiver. Playing quarterback is what I’ve been doing since I was 10 years old, and that’s what I want to keep on doing.”

Pickett-White’s initial decision to commit to USF also had to do with his desire to play college football with Southwest teammate Trevon Sands, a fellow USF commit.

Pickett-White and Sands were the key figures in the transformation of a Southwest program. They led the team to the playoffs all four of their high school seasons. The school only reached the postseason twice in five decades prior.

Pickett-White’s desire to play quarterback also stemmed from his relationship with former Northwestern and University of Miami quarterback Jacory Harris, who still owns the Dade County single-season passing records from Northwestern’s 2007 national championship season.

Pickett-White said several other FBS schools such as Illinois, Louisville, Kentucky and Utah State were recruiting him to play other positions.

Cincinnati and Marshall had originally shown interest in Pickett-White to play quarterback, but he said both schools have exceeded their scholarship limits.

“I would hope a college would be completely honest with me about what they want me to play,” Pickett-White said. “If they want me to play receiver or defensive back, just be straight up with me. At the end of the day, the free education is what’s important, and I’m going to the best school for me.”

Pickett-White is one of likely a couple hundred Dade football players who will sign to play college football on National Signing Day on Wednesday.

Among the major story lines will be where some of the county’s top undecided players will choose to go.

Miami Booker T. Washington will have several FBS commitments, but the University of Miami is one of a few schools vying for the services of talented wide receiver Antonio Callaway.

Miami Westminster Christian running back Jordan Cronkrite is another top-rated player who has said he will announce Wednesday.

This story was originally published February 2, 2015 at 11:28 PM with the headline "Playing QB was the key to Pickett-White’s choice."