In the world of high school football there are always those kids that you have to root for. The ones that put in the necessary amount of work to be great. Those clean-cut, well-spoken kids that are focused on the important things in life and care about their future a great deal. Sean White is one of those kids. So it’s fitting that one of the best underdog stories in all of high school sports this summer happened to him.
For White, the pandemonium started back in mid-April at the Elite 11 regional in Atlanta. While Sean was one of the top performers at the camp, he left the without an invite to the Elite 11 finals. White knew he still had more to prove.
Fast-forward two months to June 1st. White had one last chance to earn his way into the Elite 11 finals at the Columbus regional.
“I went up there and did well and I think a week or two later they picked (the rest of the finalists) and I got picked. Johnny Manziel was the one who tweeted about it and made it official on coach Trent Dilfer’s behalf. He basically said that he wanted to congratulate me and welcome me to the Elite 11 fraternity.” said White.
White went into the Elite 11 finals as a real underdog. Mainly due to the fact that of the eighteen quarterbacks chosen to participate in the event, White was the only prospect who had yet to commit. Although, White had the right state of mind as he went in to show off how talented he was and wanted to earn some respect.
“I kind of had a chip on my shoulder. I just went out there and played well and won it all.” said White.
Needless to say, White put on a clinic. He did a fantastic job of giving what the defense gave him and made the smart throws. He wowed the coaches enough to earn MVP honors of the entire camp.
“About a week after the Elite 11 I had heard from about every school that needed a quarterback. They didn’t all offer me but they all pretty much had interest in me. That was pretty cool to see everyone realizing that I could play well.” said White.
Although Sean had one that really stuck out to him out of all of the schools. The Auburn Tigers.
“They were recruiting me pretty hard before (the Elite 11) and that was really cool. I felt like they didn’t go off the publicity and what they really thought of me as a player so I thought that was important. Everyone says it but it is a family atmosphere. Once your an Auburn Tiger, you’re one for life. Obviously the coaches, the atmosphere and playing in the SEC and playing in the Iron Bowl against Alabama and they play Georgia every year. I obviously love the offense that Gus Malzahn runs and I think I can be very successful in that.” said White.
After all the bright lights from Beaverton, Oregon and the Elite 11, Sean turns his focus back on his senior season with the University School Suns. White, who spent the second semester of the past school year at University School–after transferring from Chaminade-Madonna– loves the difficult schedule the Suns have assembled for 2013.
“I think it’s awesome. I can’t wait. Besides St. Thomas maybe we’re playing every good team in south Florida. We even play Manatee, Island Coast and Glades Central. It’s going to be an awesome schedule. I can’t wait to get to the season to see what our guys can do and try to bring home some championship.” said White
If you follow south Florida football at all you are aware of possibility that University School could possibly meet up with Booker T. Washington in the first or second round of the playoffs. For the weaker minded, they would be scared of the defending Class 4A state champions. But Sean White is only enthused about the opportunity.
“That’s definitely a game that is going to be talked about a lot because it’s going to be a big game. (Our team) is really excited. We wanted to be in 4A so we could play a team like a Booker T. We obviously have a lot of respect for them. We’re not going to worry about them just yet. We’re just worried about Homestead on August 25th.” said White.
After an unreal offseason, Sean White has four things on his mind: District championship, Regional championship, State championship and National championship. With a quarterback like White, all of those are well in reach.
