Tandon White

Tuttle High School

By Nick Hampton

The name White has a special meaning in Tuttle, America. That’s where OU All American and Heisman Trophy winner Jason White got his start and now is home to his son Tandon who plays for the Tigers.

“My dad really pushes me a lot to work harder and get up every morning for workouts. There was a time when I was young, I thought I might follow in his footsteps as an offensive skill player. But as I got older and bigger (now 6-1, 250) I realized that I would have to find my own place in the line,” said Tandon about growing up in his father’s shadow.”

There’s also another member of the White clan that Tandon says motivates him.

“My grandpa, Ron White, is a big motivator for me. He’s the hardest working guy I know. He gets up early every morning and pours concrete all day.”

While Tandon has developed into a fine football player, his coach Brad Ballard talked about another aspect of the big lineman.

“One of the things I love about Tandon is his big heart and kindness. He’s everyone’s friend and I’ve never heard anyone say anything negative about him. He’s a completely awesome guy and a lot of fun to be around and he’s been a rock for us at right tackle.”

As a senior Tandon will be a team leader this year. Ballard calls him a leader “because he is a model of consistency and effort.” And Tandon confirmed that as talked about leadership.

“A good leader is someone who can show and explain how to do something and not just yell at people,” said White.

Though Tandon isn’t sure about what happens after high school, Ballard feels that he’s set no matter what.

“Tandon’s going to be successful at life because of his work ethic and the way he handles his business every day. That’s already made him a good football player and will make him successful at life no matter what he does,” said the coach.