Kansas State University Athletics
From The Trenches With Senior Corey White
Sep 22, 2002 | Football
Sept. 22, 2002
by Abby Koch, Kansas State Sports Information student assistant
One thing most people wouldn't expect from any man of 6-foot-3, 285 lb. stature would be a love for singing. For senior defensive tackle Corey White, it just comes natural.
"I sing all of the time. No matter what, I'll sing anything and everything all day long. In fact, people probably get tired of me singing," White said.
Though this Texas native wouldn't readily admit to it, he was a member of the chorus throughout his years at North Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas. White's love for singing was something that may not have been too obvious or important when it came to recruiting him. But his size, on the other hand, is and always has been a deciding factor in his football endeavor.
White's football career started at a young age and while he gave other sports a shot, football was the only one that fit him - literally.
"I was too big to do anything else, that's basically it. I tried baseball but everyone kept getting smaller and I kept getting bigger. So, I decided to take the football route," White said.
White joined the 2001 Wildcat team after transferring from Navarro Junior College where he was named a first team All-Southwest Junior College Conference selection. While making the transition from junior college to a Division I school is a huge step, it's not always easy and White recognizes that fact.
"They expect a lot more from me here at Kansas State. You can't do anything halfway because they have someone to replace you if you won't work hard," White said.There is one true motivation for White to work hard, and that is and always has been his mother, Marilyn White.
"Everything I do is for my mother because I've seen her struggle. Even though some people had it worse than we did, we still didn't have it good. There's a certain image in my life that I keep in the back of my mind and that keeps me going, I just use it as a fuel," said White.
Not only does his mother give him motivation, she is also the person he admires most in this world.
"I admire my mother because I see how strong she is and has been throughout my life. She went through a lot with me, especially feeding me, and how she stayed strong through the many tough times. She made me think everything was alright when it wasn't and she'll be number one on my list for all time," White added.
He admitted it was tough to be away from his mother when he came north to K-State.
"I grew up real fast. I learned that she's always with me when I need her because she always calls and checks up on me," said White.
Though dealing with the distance from his mother hasn't been as tough because he's at Kansas State. White has found a home here with the atmosphere, the fans and most of all his teammates.
"My teammates help keep me in line. We check each other. If someone is messing up, we tell one another to pick it up some. Someone's always got your back," he said.
Football is a full-time job which requires a lot of time and dedication, so when White has free time he goes for a little rest and relaxation.
"I just try to take my mind off of football. I kick it with my boys, watch TV and listen to music," he said. "I hang out with my roommate Davin Dennis a lot. He's the funniest guy I've ever met. We just trade off making each other laugh, and we tend to make others laugh too."
When it times to get prepared for a game, No. 62 gets ready a different way than most because he needs to be relaxed, yet focused.
"I can't be too intense or too energized like some people, I tried it before and it's just not me," White said.
In White's eyes, one of his biggest accomplishments is starting, just being No. 1.
"Just proving to myself that I'm the best at my position right now is a huge accomplishment," White said. "This season, I hope to stay on top and let people know Corey White. And have other team's respect that No. 62 was a good player."
White will graduate in May with a degree in social science. But, he's looking forward to a great final season with the Wildcats. Whether singing songs in the locker room or tackling on the football field, White is a gentle giant and has one message for all of his fans.
"When you hear my name I want everybody to cheer. When you hear Corey White I want you to clap your hands, stomp your feet or just get wild," White said.
White will be doing his best to give all K-State fans something to cheer about this season. So, when you sing the K-State fight song, sing extra loud, and White will surely be singing along from the field.