D. J. White (American football)

White was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Brockston and Zina White. He began to play football in the 6th grade. He attended Union Grove High School and played for Head Coach Paul Borgdorf.[1] In High school he played cornerback and wide receiver where he made the All-Region team and was an honorable mention for All-State. He wore number 9 on his jersey in school because it represented his birth month and day.[1]

White was considered a three star prospect by Rivals.com, the 34th best in the country at his position.[2] He received a number of offers to play division one football including those from Georgia Tech, Auburn, California, and Illinois.[2] He ultimately committed to Georgia Tech following his visit to the school on December 9, 2012.[2]

White chose to major in business administration, and after not receiving a redshirt designation by the Yellow Jackets, played in the last 10 games of the season and forced a fumble in conference play against North Carolina.[1] He followed up his efforts in his sophomore year by playing in every game that season, and starting at defensive back for nine of them.[1] During the Music City Bowl against Ole Miss, White recorded the first interception of his college career in the fourth quarter.[1][3]

He continued to improve in his junior year as he started every game of the season. During the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies, he recorded his second interception and set up what was ultimately the game-winning drive.[1] A week later, he stopped a 75-yard run by forcing a fumble out of the back of the end zone against the Pittsburgh Panthers that went for a touchback.[4] On November 8, 2014, White had his first career touchdown against North Carolina State when he intercepted a pass by Jacoby Brissett by stepping in front of his wide receiver and running it back 48 yards for the touchdown.[1][5] He finished the season with four interceptions, leading the team. In addition he also led the team in pass break-ups with eight, and also registered one forced fumble.[1] His efforts resulted in him being named an All-ACC honorable mention by the media.[6]

In his final year with the Yellow Jackets, White started 11 games. He started out the season recording five tackles and five pass break-ups against Virginia Tech. He went on to force a fumble against North Carolina a month later.[1] He finished the year leading the team in pass-breakups, and two interceptions.[1]

White's play in college earned him an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com praised him for his patience in coverage and his ability to displace receivers with his jam technique.[7] He also complimented his ability to break on the ball with his short quickness, and noted that he had forced at least one fumble every year he was at Georgia Tech.[1][7] But Zierlein criticized his "very" average recovery speed and his inability to efficiently exercise proper technique in coverage, specifically the fact that he could not turn around fast enough or "flip his hips" quickly.[7] He projected White to be a third round pick.[7]