Marcus White experienced an eventful winter, and his spring schedule, which includes a trip to Clemson, is also going to be pretty hectic.
White, an in-state offensive lineman, recently transferred from Marion to Dillon, and the move has been a good one. White goes from a program that went 0-10 last season to Dillon, a school that routinely makes deep playoff runs, including four state titles from 2012-15.
“I am definitely getting pushed to my max,” White told The Clemson Insider. “I am consistently in the weight room because I actually have a weight room class now. At Marion, I didn’t. We are doing college weightlifting, and it will help prep me for the next level.”
White first visited Clemson last season for the Duke game, and the experience was eye-opening.
“I have basically been building a relationship with the staff from there,” White said. “It was one of the best game-day experiences me and my mom have been on so far. That is what pushing for wanting me to go to Clemson.”
It only took that one visit for White to get a deep appreciation for what Dabo Swinney’s program has to offer, and for the 6-foot-3, 295-pound offensive lineman, it’s much deeper than football.
“My thing is it is not just about going to play football,” White said. “My goal after college isn’t to go to the NFL. My goal is to pursue a career in political science. But I want to be the best college athlete to play at that level during the years I am there. When I went to Clemson, they told me about the programs that they offer and how the athletes are not just stuck on playing to win a national championship. Their determination is also on the internships, the opportunities, and the connections with people outside of Clemson. It’s not just about Clemson football. It’s about preparing you for the next level in your life.”
White now plans to return to Clemson on March 25. It’s a visit that has been in the works for weeks. Ever since assistant Tajh Boyd made a stop by Dillon High School last month. While Boyd and White did not connect that day because White was still in the midst of transferring, the seeds were planted.
The Citadel, Charlotte, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wofford are all expected to get future visits, which will make for a busy spring.
White also says he is planning to camp at Clemson on June 2. He wants the opportunity to play for the Tigers, and he’s willing to put in the work in an effort to earn it.
“I believe it is home for me,” White said. “If Coach (Luke) offered me today, I would commit tomorrow. That is the type of relationship I have with them so far. When I went to Clemson, it did not matter who you were. It didn’t matter your rank, they tok care of you.
Photo by Bart Boatwright