Signed: Brendon White
While there may be some debate as to which position fits Ohio State early enrollee and signee Brendon White the best, there is no debating that he wanted to end up at Ohio State. White, a four-star athlete already realized the dream by enrolling in January but everything is now official as he and the rest of his signing class are all now no longer recruits and can call themselves Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder from Powell (Ohio) committed to the Buckeyes in October of 2015 and as the son of former Ohio State star and NFL veteran William White, it is a dream come true to be a part of something that has been a huge part of his family for as long as he can remember.
"It is definitely a family tradition with my dad playing in the league and here at Ohio State," the younger White said in a video produced by Ohio State Football upon enrolling at the university for January semester. "I always wanted to follow in his footsteps, I have grown up watching football and I have always loved football. It has always been a dream of mine to be here."
White may be getting his first look on the offensive side of the ball but White just wants to make an impact, either at receiver, linebacker or anywhere that the coaches feel that he can contribute. Getting a chance to take part in winter and spring drills will give White and the eight other early enrollees a big of a leg up on one of the nation's top recruiting classes.
The four-star sees football not only as a chance to have success on the field but also off the field as a role model to other youth who would like to find opportunities.
"That is the American Dream, to be successful," White said. "I want to change lives and in order to do that you have got to be a high figure. Trying to work my hardest so little kids look up to me and I can lead them in the right direction."
BuckeyeGrove.com recruiting analyst Marc Givler believes that the Buckeyes are not only getting a gifted athlete on the field but a true student of the game who's understanding of the inner workings of football will give him an edge.
"While his physical tools are considerable, White also checks all of the boxes on the mental side," Givler said of White after he committed to the program. "Being the son of a former NFL player, White has developed a tremendous work ethic and feel for the game of football which is why he has been able to transition from one position to another so seamlessly."
White already feels close to his new football family in Columbus and was not a stranger just living up the road from the Ohio State campus. He knows the bonds he is developing now will last for a lifetime and will also pay off with immediate benefits on the field.
"Keep getting better each and every day, try and change lives because it is a family," White said. "I feel like I connect very well. If you have a bond where you think a college is your family, you will be able to adapt easy and be able to be yourself and play to your highest potential."