Former Tech standout eager to live out NFL dream

NORCROSS - His baseball skills are, he admits, rusty. Fortunately the pro teams eyeing former Georgia Tech standout DJ White see him breaking up passes, not no-hitters.

"I remember I was 5 years old and told my dad I wanted to play professional baseball," said White. "Even though the sport has changed, still having that in me to be a pro ball player, it's something I've had in me since I was five years old."

The cornerback is training for the NFL Draft at Chip Smith Performance Systems in Norcross. He competed at the NFL Scouting Combine and will work for league scouts again at Tech's Pro Day.

White came out of Union Grove High School in McDonough, and while he'll be excited to be drafted by any team in any round, he also has an appreciation of the new role he's working toward: role model for his community.

"We had a guy come through the Henry County area, Rod Sweeting, he played at Georgia Tech as well," said White. "Outside him I can't think of anybody else, not from our area, as a football player making it professionally."

White's former high school coach says he's happy to see a young man with special football skills, but also someone focused on faith and family.

"It's going to be something I know the school and community will both be proud of," said former Union Grove football head coach Paul Burgdorf.

White says he was a product of his environment.

"It would mean a lot to me," said White. "Raised by two good parents, came up in Henry County, to see those people smiling and just proud of where I'm at."