There were rumors during the last school year that dynamic athlete Gavin White, an All-Greater Rochester selection in football and basketball, had transferred from University Prep.
But not only is White back at UPrep for his senior season, he'll also be used in new roles in an offense that returns seven starters from 2025. The arrival of transfer quarterback Eric Torres from Irondequoit could free up White to make plays all over the field.
"The kid would have eight to nine sets of eyes staring at him at the same time (every play at quarterback)," UPrep coach Isiah Young said. "I'm excited and he's excited (that White will move around the field in UPrep's offense)."
Torres completed 55% of his passes for 774 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions
for Irondequoit in 2025. With UPrep, Torres also has a chance to get the ball to senior Thomas Levans, a 2025 AGR receiver.
"He's a big, strong kid and he has a big arm," Young said. "I would say he loves football. At quarterback, there is a lot that goes into it."
As much attention as Torres and the receiving corps are likely to draw, the return of four starters on the offensive line may be just as important for the Griffins. Cashmere Williams, also a 2025 AGR selection, and senior classmate Sean Buchanan anchor the line of scrimmage on defense as well.
UPrep football at a glance
- Head coach: Isiah Young (sixth season)
- Classification: AA
- League/division: Private-Parochial
- Last season's record: 5-4, lost to McQuaid, Section V Class AA quarterfinals
- Last Section V championship: 2021
UPrep football schedule for 2026 season
- Sat., Sept. 5: Bishop Timon/Saint Jude, 1 p.m. at Erie Community College
- Fri., Sept. 11: vs. Liverpool, 7 p.m. at Rochester Community Sports Complex
- Fri., Sept. 18: at Rush-Henrietta, 6:30 p.m.
- Sat. Sept. 26: vs. Buffalo Hutchinson Central Technical, 1 p.m. at Rochester Community Sports Complex
- Sat., Oct. 3: at Niagara Falls, 2 p.m.
- Fri., Oct. 9: at Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy, 7 p.m.
- Sat., Oct. 17: at Buffalo Saint Joseph's Collegiate, 2 p.m.
- Fri., Oct. 23: Pittsford, 7 p.m. at Pittsford Sutherland
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UPrep's top returning players
OL Davon Armstead, OL Isaiah Brookins, OL/DL Sean Buchanan, TE Jameek Johnson, WR/DB Thomas Levans III, LB Briyceton Thomas, WR/DB Gavin White, OL/DL Cashmere Williams
Marquee matchups for UPrep
The Griffins play two teams based in Section V this upcoming regular season.
Pittsford, a Section V Class AA tournament finalist last year, is UPrep's opponent in the final week. The matchup at Rush-Henrietta in Week 3 may generate even more excitement.
"With the change to (league-based) scheduling, any in-class game there will be a big buzz," Young said.
UPrep football a look back
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New QB could unlock UPrep's most dynamic player
