The longtime wait for King George (VA) three-star WR Mekhai White publicly ended on Tuesday night after announcing his commitment to Maryland, giving the Terps their third receiver pledge this cycle and 18th pledge of the cycle.
I’M HOME TERP NATION LETS GOO‼️ #GoTerps 🐢 pic.twitter.com/g1cXlsbacr
— Mekhai White (@mekhai_white) August 8, 2023
It took a lot longer than initially hoped featuring some twists in turns, but in the end, Maryland lands a longtime top target that oozes potential when he arrives in a few months.
Maryland’s initial pursuit of the 6-foot-3 wideout began when Zohn Burden, now the wide receiver coach at Duke, extended an offer back at the start of White’s sophomore season. Since wide receiver coach Gunter Brewer joined the program back ahead of the 2022 season, Maryland has been consistent in their efforts to eventually pry the King George receiver out of Virginia.
White made his way to campus for a pair of visits, while Maryland returned the favor to watch him during his junior season both on the gridiron and hardwood, the type of effort that was noticed at the time and appreciate during decision time. But as Michigan and his SEC suitors picked up contact, White’s leaderboard changed as Maryland worked to remain consistent. His recruitment took form heading into summer where, once again, the consistency positioned Maryland for an official visit. An official visit the weekend of June 9 followed by an unofficial the following weekend helped push the momentum in favor of Maryland, but an official to Virginia Tech the weekend of June 23 left room for concern. The Hokies eventually landing Chanz Wiggins, White’s teammate and another top target, along with four-star Keylan Adams helped the tide shift back towards Maryland as White and his family went into decision mode.
White ultimately returned to campus on July 29 for Maryland’s ‘VIP in the DMV’ recruiting event where he gave his word to head coach Mike Locksley of his intention to join the program. The timing of White’s announcement was the final hurdle as he delivers an early birthday present to his position coach.
Maryland will stay on White through the December signing period, but White’s relationship with his position coach, trust from his camp along with longstanding relationships with the staff ultimately helped while the DMV angle helped subdue flirting from other suitors through July.
As White shifts gears towards his senior season, he’s coming off a season where he posted over 1,000 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 37 catches en route to becoming an all-region selection.
White fits into Maryland’s offense as a slot receiver and drew comparisons to former Maryland receiver Rakim Jarrett when delving into the film with the staff on his official visit. White’s natural athleticism is the first thing that jumps out when scouting the 6-foot-2 athlete, a trait that translated onto the hardwood, the sport White said “holds the title of my first love.” As Maryland prioritized him dating back to his junior season, White showed that his athleticism translates to the hardwood with his bounce was on full display.
That’s also evident on the field where White has shown he can win the 50-50 balls downfield, but it’s his body control that helps create the necessary big plays. White may not always flash his speed out of the slot, but he has the quickness and route tree to become a deep threat where his length and straight-line speed gives the room a high potential piece to work with.
White now joins in-state wideout Jahmari Powell-Wonson, who chipped in on the Terps’ recruiting efforts, along with North Carolina athlete Josiah McLaurin. Wide receiver was a big focus last cycle after facing steep turnover at the position, but this cycle, White’s commitment puts the Terps in a good spot at receiver as the staff looks ahead to inking all three in December.
Maryland will lose Tyrese Chambers and Jeshaun Jones following the 2023 with Tai Felton stepping into the 2024 season as the lone senior, giving the current freshmen and sophomores a chance to step into feature roles. With the wide receiver room officially set to have a new feel to it with new faces replacing the first round of Locksley’s stars, White serves as the cherry on top for a complementary receiver haul this cycle.
Fans may not have to wait much longer for more juice on the trail with Cy Falls (TX) three-star offensive lineman Samir Camacho set to announce his commitment on Sunday. Camacho still sits as ‘hot’ on the big board.
Related Links
WR Mekhai White commits to Maryland, breaks down his decision
Maryland basketball stays perfect in Italy with 105-40 win vs. Bassano Pro All-Stars
Maryland football draws votes in first coaches poll of 2023 season
Local WR high on Maryland’s staff following latest visit (+)
