100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #23 DaShaun White By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: August 6, 2020

The Path to Norman

DaShaun White was headed to College Station for a long time. The path to becoming a Sooner took some twists and turns to happen.

The OU staff started recruiting DaShaun White over a year before his signing day. Shortly before the summer, his offer came. 

It felt that the Sooners were in a great spot early on. However, White’s first public commitment at the end of the summer went to the Aggies. At the time, it was clear that he was still torn and that OU wasn’t out of the running. The entire fall, the Sooners’ coaching staff kept at the talented linebacker. Their hard work eventually paid off. 

For more on his recruitment, TFB’s Charlie wrote how the staff wouldn’t let White get away.

Career So Far

In 2018, White played in every game for the Sooners; however, his snaps per game seemed limited, much to the chagrin of many OU fans. DaShaun showed flashes in the time he saw, leaving fans clamoring for more. 

2019 was a big step up for DaShaun White. Kenneth Murray, a several-year starter, manned the MIKE linebacker spot; it was up to White to man the WILL. He started in all 14 games, ranking fourth on the team in total tackles as he split time with guys like Ryan Jones, Brian Asamoah, and Caleb Kelly. 

Current Profile

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 227

Year: Junior

Stats

 

Stats via Soonersports.com

Highlights

2020 Season

The 2020 inside linebacker spot is in quite a different position than it was a week ago. All offseason, it has seemed likely that Kelley would take over for Murray at MIKE and White would keep the WILL job. With Kelly injured, the possibilities are a lot more open. Guys like Bryan Mead and Robert Barnes were set to be the guys behind Kelly at MIKE, with Brian Asamoah and Shane Whitter slotted behind White at WILL. 

One option is to shift White to MIKE, start Asamoah at WILL, and let the rest shake out. Another option is for the staff to leave White at WILL if they feel someone else is ready at the MIKE spot. Regardless, it’s hard to imagine White not starting this season. With Kelly out, the defense is looking for others to lead this season; Sooner nation will be hopeful that White can be that guy for OU.