The Incredible Transformation of Derek White from 197 to Heavyweight

Edmond native Derek White spent his freshman and redshirt freshman years at Nebraska then transferred from Nebraska back to his home state and OSU.

He spent most of last year backing up All-American Preston Weigel at 197 and filling in intermittently at heavyweight. In some ways this raised the question of what the Cowboys would be able to do with White? He was and is a talented wrestler and everyone knew a definite asset but behind a really solid wrestler in Weigel at 197.

He has already answered that question early in this season after a summer spent bulking up to HWT and taking over for Austin Schafer. Schafer followed a similar pattern last year in moving up from 197 to HWT but graduated last year opening the door for White to take over.

Derek White is a heavyweight. ? pic.twitter.com/BX9r8xxtk6

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) December 20, 2017

White has put on around 50 pounds from last year and now weighs in the 240-45 range. He has managed to maintain some speed and mobility even with the extra size.

Here’s a look at a few photos from this year and last year that show the incredible size he has put on. First, here is a look from last season.

And here’s a look at him this year.

He went from being unranked in the preseason to currently being in the top 8 and a projected All-American. Give credit to White for making the move up and the strength and conditioning staff with the wrestling program for helping him get there.