NC State pushes to flip Florida State commit Efrem White

By Noah Fleischman

Although Vero Beach (Fla.) four-star athlete Efrem White is committed to Florida State, he’s open to other options before inking his name on National Signing Day. There’s plenty of time between now and then, and NC State is firmly in the mix for his services. 

The nation’s No. 230 overall recruit and No 11 athlete, and No. 32 player in Florida in the 2026 cycle has a soft spot for the Wolfpack, who has been the most consistent program during his recruiting process. That affection for the Pack led White to making an official visit appearance in Raleigh this past weekend.

“They were the first school that gave me an offer,” White told TheWolfpacker.com. “But it wasn’t just that. There was a period where college coaches were not even contacting me or talking to me, but they stuck with me during that period. It seemed like I was important to them.”

NC State cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell has been the lead recruiter from the jump since that December 2022 day that White received an offer from the Pack, while coach Dave Doeren has also played a crucial role in the process. 

Along with Florida State, NC State will also have to battle Notre Dame in White’s recruitment. Those three schools are whom he is focused on moving forward.

“I narrowed my schools down,” White said. “With NC State, I’ve always wanted to go visit them from the start, but we couldn’t get up there. I’ve always wanted to give other schools out of state opportunities. I really liked it up there.”

White arrived on NC State’s campus with the understanding that the Wolfpack wanted him as a defensive back only. But once his visit began, it became clear that the Pack would be more than willing to let him play wide receiver at the same time as well. 

The 6-foot-1, 155-pound prospect really liked hearing that. He watched Colorado star Travis Hunter dominate on both sides of the ball, and while he isn’t at that level yet, White drew inspiration from watching this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. 

NC State giving White the chance to play both stuck out in a major way.

“I really like that, giving people a chance,” White said of NC State. “They’ll use the best 11 on the field, and they’ll put you in the best position for them that can help out the most.”

White is more than capable of playing both at a high level. He grew up playing quarterback, but transitioned to wide receiver once he reached Vero Beach. White has totaled 55 receptions for 748 yards and nine touchdowns, while he added 72 total tackles, including five for a loss, with two sacks, five interceptions and 14 passes defended in his first three seasons with the Indians. 

Catching passes came “naturally” to White, but playing defensive back is where he appears to have a higher ceiling. However, he understands he needs to develop his skills at the position.

“As a DB, I have a lot of learning to do,” White said. “I’ve got really good pick-up speed. I mostly use my speed. Technique is something I lack, so if I can find a coach that can develop me, I think I can be one of the best to ever come out of college football.”

White was able to learn more about NC State’s program on his official visit. He was hosted by redshirt junior cornerback Jackson Vick, who played both sides of the ball in high school before transitioning to the defensive backfield with the Wolfpack. 

Additionally, White was able to talk with sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey during his trip. The recruit used to study Bailey’s film to help become a better quarterback. Even though he doesn’t play the position anymore, White still enjoyed the full-circle moment on the Pack’s campus.

Now, as he looks to compare NC State to Florida State (June 20-22) and works to set an official visit at Notre Dame, the Wolfpack left White impressed coming out of his first-ever trip to Raleigh.

“They were talking so much about the brotherhood and how they bond, and how you can come out of school as a new man,” White said. “I went around and saw the coaches’ vibe with all the players that were there. They weren’t lying about the brotherhood. They really made it feel like home.”