Baylor LB Josh White Reveals What Motivates Him to Play for Coach Aranda
Baylor Bears linebacker Josh White has had a collegiate career full of being "just short."
After being recruited by Baylor coach Dave Aranda, who was the defensive coordinator for the undefeated national champion LSU Tigers in 2019, White was one year too late when he arrived to Baton Rouge in 2020. Aranda had left to take the role as head coach in Waco and the Tigers had slipped to a 5-5 record.
The Bears weren't much better with a 2-7 record in Aranda's first season. But last year, Baylor rose to 12-2, winning the Sugar Bowl and the Big 12 championship. White arrived this April, just a few months too late.
Just one year short of a national championship. One year too late from an appearance in the Sugar Bowl and a conference title. All while still not being able to learn under the coach he admired throughout the recruiting process.
But White is finally here with Aranda. And for him, everything seems to be coming together, though he still doesn't see any major differences between Aranda at LSU to now - except, of course, for the head-coaching role.
"When I was at LSU, Coach Aranda had recruited me," White said Wednesday. "Here, he's actually coaching me. The same guy that recruited me, he wants the best for me and I'd really do anything for him cause I know he wants the best for me."
Baylor is ranked No. 10 in the country headed into the season, per the AP Poll. But along with a chance at being a dark horse for the College Football Playoff, the Bears' recent NFL Draft success under Aranda has White with high hopes for his potential pro career.
From Aranda's first full season with LSU in 2017 to his last in 2019, the Tiger saw five linebackers get drafted including three in the first round following LSU's title run.
This past season, Baylor linebacker Terrel Bernard was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills. The proof that Aranda can breed excellent is crystal clear.
"He has a great track record of putting great linebackers in the league, which drew me," White said. "So I know what he can do and that's why I trust him so much cause I know what he can make me."
White has only recorded six tackles in his collegiate career, but it's clear Aranda saw something special. This early recognition and connection made a big impact on he and White's relationship, one that looks to continue into this season.
"That whole experience of getting recruited by LSU, getting recruited by him, he just said that I have great speed, I play the game with great speed and he just laid everything out for me," White said. "He showed me their defense, showed me where I could fit ... and I loved it, so that's what really drew me in."
Baylor's defense allowed the third-fewest offensive yards per game (347.6) and the second-fewest points per game (19.2) last season. The recipe for excellence is there.
And the strong relationship built by White and Aranda could make things all the more smoother for the defending conference champs.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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