2024 WR Mekhai White commits to Maryland

Teams came and went throughout the recruitment of King George (Va.) three-star wide receiver Mekhai White. Tennessee and Michigan made a strong impression early, but it ultimately came down to two other schools: Virginia Tech and Maryland.

The in-state Hokies made a strong case for keeping him at home, but Maryland’s early connection and consistency throughout the process ultimately won out. On Tuesday night, White announced publicly for the Terrapins after committing to Mike Locksley and Co. privately in July.

“It came down to Maryland and Virginia Tech,” he told On3. “It was a little tough not to choose the in-state school, Virginia Tech, but I had to pick the best fit for me. Maryland offered me one game into my sophomore season, and they have been consistent with me since then. My mom is from the Baltimore area, I have family there and I felt best about Maryland.”

White knew after his official visits where he wanted to go

After taking official visits to Maryland and Virginia Tech in June, White took some time to think about both programs, but was already leaning toward Maryland. Early in July, he made up his mind about going to Maryland, a few weeks later he told Locklsey in person at the program’s recruiting barbecue event.

The connection he felt with the Terps’ head coach, along with other members of the staff, made him feel at home. The program is all-around exactly what he wants, and he’s excited to be a part of it.

“Going through the process, I had to figure out what was real, who was real and who was not,” he said. “That is what set Maryland apart for me. They were real, and they have a plan. Maryland has great people, and I chose Maryland because of the coaches, the relationships and how they care for their players. It is an opportunity for me after football there too. Coach Locksley has things set up for his players to be interns and that opens up a lot of doors down the road. With this choice, I am thinking about my future.”

Locklsey in particular, and the culture he is building in College Park, were a major part of the decision.

“Over time, my relationships with Coach Locksley and Coach Brewer grew and I started to look at Maryland a lot harder during my junior year,” he said. “Coach Locksley kept it real with me the entire time. He is a cool dude, he is a real dude and he is creating a great culture at Maryland. He is building a winning program and he is building it the right way. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and a person.”