White favors N.C. State

HIALEAH, Fla. --A pair of scholarship offers sit on the table in front of Hialeah (Fla.) American High School receiver Anthony White Jr. It's still early in his recruitment. White is a 2017 prospect that won't sign a letter of intent for nearly two years. But with Kentucky and N.C. State already making things official, it's certainly not too soon for White to start forming opinions.

Early as it may be, his recruitment is already taking shape.

"Right now, I'm leaning toward N.C. State," White said. "I'm liking the school."

The reasons for N.C. State's early lead, however slight, are based on relationships. When asked about the Wolfpack, he doesn't talk facilities or tradition. Instead, he goes in different direction.

"The receivers coach, Coach [George] McDonald, saw something in me," White said. "I really appreciate that. I saw the roster and saw the depth of roster, and it looks good. It looks like a place I could go to and showcase my skills."

It's not as though White has ruled out Kentucky as an option. The Wildcats have their appeal. White sees it. It's just that he's not as acquainted with the coaching staff or the program it represents."

"Kentucky plays a tough schedule," White said. "Kentucky is a good team. I've actually been watching them and keeping up with their basketball team. I can't tell you a bunch about Kentucky or N.C. State, really. Those offers came by surprise. They were shocking to me.

"I'm going to do more digging into both of them and learn more about the schools and the football programs."

White plans on visiting N.C. State this offseason. He also will tour a handful of campuses as part of a recruiting road trip with his high school teammates.