Jimbo Fisher believes Braden White "exemplifies everything" about the 12th Man

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Jimbo Fisher was tasked with a tough decision for the first time at College Station. Narrowing down each candidate, the Texas A&M head coach needed to decide who would take over for Cullen Gillspia as the new 12th Man for the 2019 season.

After careful deliberation, Fisher believes he found the best candidate.

Linebacker Braden White was named the new 12th Man by Fisher earlier this week for the 2019 season. The junior from Florence, Alabama, was a former walk-on who started gaining traction throughout summer camp and fall practices.

While the decision was difficult for Fisher to make, it was harder for him to explain why White wasn't perhaps the clear choice.

"My answer is what I didn't see in Braden," Fisher said at Thursday's press conference. "I never saw a day off. I never saw anything being taken for granted. He exemplified everything in which the 12th Man stands for on how he approaches things personally, academically, athletically, team wise, leadership wise. He's an impressive human being. Not just player, I'm talking about a human being."

White initially hoped to be signed to a division one scholarship out of high school. Due to suffering a broken tibia his senior season, he'd have to walk-on if he didn't go to a smaller school. Predominately used on special teams, White has earned high praise for his work ethic during fall camp.

Gillspia set an A&M record, tying Sam Moeller for the most consecutive games as the 12th Man with 39 appearances in the No.12 jersey. Fisher believes that White has earned the right over the past several weeks to follow in Gillspia's footsteps.

"He knows one speed, full-go and do it right," Fisher said. "I think he exemplifies everything about the 12th Man.

"He just stands head out above everybody consistently day in and day out with how he does everything in his life."

The Aggies will open the season next Thursday, Aug. 29 against Texas State at Kyle Field.