Joshua White, Georgia 2022 defensive lineman, commits to Memphis

Joshua White of Atlanta Cedar Grove found his college football home fortuitously. It was a feeling he got almost out of the blue on a visit.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman will play his college football at Memphis for Ryan Silverfield. White was on the Memphis campus two weeks ago.

That was when he felt the most at home.

The Tigers’ coaching staff, players all made his time at the school a fun one.

“When I went up there, it was so much fun, the coaching staff, the players, I felt like I was already there when I went up there to go visit,” White said. “That helped me make my decision. My family loves the school, and I love the school, so it was a great decision.”

White says his relationship with the Memphis coaches as a special one.

“Our relationship has stuck over time,” White said. “We’ve got a relationship that I’ve never had with any other coaches. Me and the defensive line coach as well. It’s a great atmosphere. We just have fun every time we talk on the phone. Some days it might be about mentals, some days are about football, some days are about school. Every day is different. That’s what makes it great.”

Memphis went 8-3 in 2020. They were third in the American Athletic Conference. The program’s steady improvement recently has White’s attention.

“A lot of people going to Memphis because it’s a building program,” White said. “The program is coming together. When I was there last, they’re getting new fields put in. They’re becoming a better team. Everybody is switching to conferences, and they just want to stay home and win.”

Distance played major role for Joshua White

Joshua White has a strong bond with his mother and grandmother. The opportunity to play close to his Georgia roots was something he wanted to jump on.

He plans to be home as much as he can, even though the drive from Atlanta to Memphis is nearly 6 hours.

“I considered that (distance) a lot,” White said. “I’ve got to get back home to my grandma and my mom. I’ve got to be able to see them at least one day a week, so I can drive back in 6 hours and be back in time for school. The location meant a lot to me.”

Recruitment still open moving into fall

White chose Memphis over Missouri, Ole Miss and Nebraska among others. Missouri offered White on July 22.

Though he is committed, White views his recruitment as still open should other schools be interested in him this fall. White plans on graduating early from high school to enroll in college in January.  

Missouri is one of the schools he’ll be keeping an eye on moving forward.

“I love Missouri, they’re still in my top schools where I’m committed, but stuff could change,” White said. “My recruitment is still open.”

White plans to go to Memphis’ season opener on Sept. 4. White is relieved to be committed to a program that he is happy with.

“I wanted to get the weight off my shoulders and just get ready to ball out this season and then get ready to go to college,” White said.