White has connections to Tigers

Boonville OL Tommy White spent the summer trying to get noticed. As the fall approaches, White has noticed more and more attention coming his way.

"Recruiting's going really good," said White. "I'm hearing from a few different schools and I feel like I'm impressing people. It's been a really good experience. I've talked some with Missouri, Kansas, and I've gotten a few things from UCLA, but I want to see if any of that continues at this point."

As recruiting has slowly, but surely, picked up, White has tried to change the types of questions he asked and learn new things with every conversation. He felt good about his ability to do just that over the past few weeks.

"I've talked with them about where they think I might play," said White. "They've mentioned they like my frame and how I could add some weight without losing my other skills. I think most schools want to look at moving me to the offensive line but it's been fun talking with the different schools."

Last weekend, White made the short drive to Columbia to check out the Tigers' practice. He was thrilled to get the chance to be in Columbia and observe what a college practice looked like.

"It was amazing to attend one of the practices," said White. "The coaches get down and do the drills with the players. The atmosphere is great and everyone really makes you feel like you're part of the team. It's one of those experiences you don't forget easily."

During his time at the practice, White spent most of his time watching the offensive line. Afterwards, White got good insight from the coaches.

"I got to talk with the coaches about the routine for the players," said White. "They talked about what they expect from each player and why everything matters. They were very high when they talked about academics. They really made them a priority, but they did a good job of also talking about what they would expect on the field as well."

White said it had always been a desire of his to attend a practice for the Tigers. He wasn't sure where it all would end up, but he knew what he felt about the Tigers. It hadn't hurt that his brother-in-law was the perfect source for everything recruiting and everything Missouri.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play for Missouri," said White. "I grew up so close and went to so many different games. I'd love to play on that field and wear their jersey. My brother-in-law, Atiyyah Ellison, played for them and is now in the pros along with Justin Smith in San Francisco. He's been really cool about everything. He said it can be a rough ride sometimes, but no matter what happens, you have to keep your head up. You always have to work hard because someone's always out there to take your spot if you don't want it. It's been great having him to lean on and help take me through the process. He's really given me whatever extra help I need. He's been awesome."

Like other recruits, White has turned his attention to his teammates at Booneville. While the start of practice hasn't been easy, he knows he needs to be the leader for his team throughout the year.

"We just started this week," said White. "We've got three-a-days right now and that can be a killer. The weather hasn't been bad at all and I think we've gotten pretty lucky with that. The coaches are really leaning on me this year because I'm one of the seniors and I feel like I have a responsibility to be the leader. I just try to do the best I can to lead the guys whenever they need it."