Jahiem White’s rise to prominence as one of the top freshman running backs at West Virginia University has its roots in the unexpected kindness and support of a new schoolteacher and her family. White, who grew up in Miami under the care of a single mother, La’Doria Glover, found a second family in York, Pennsylvania, after an initially reluctant move there.
White’s life took a significant turn when he met Amanda Poff, a sixth-grade teacher at Phineas Davis Elementary School in York. Poff, who had recently returned to teaching after a break to raise her own children, was instantly struck by White’s presence. She recalled telling her husband, Dan, about a standout kid who entered her classroom one day, describing how White’s physicality made it obvious he was an athlete. Although quiet in class, White caught Poff’s attention when she noticed him researching various running backs online. Being a Penn State graduate, Poff introduced White to the skills and achievements of Saquon Barkley, a standout player for the Nittany Lions. Initially skeptical, White’s connection with Poff grew from these moments.
Their relationship, however, wasn’t solidified right away. After the school year ended, White moved back to Florida with his mother. But soon after, White returned to York, and from that point, his bond with the Poff family deepened. Recognizing that White was going through a difficult time, Poff introduced him to AAU basketball, where her daughter Harper played, providing White with an outlet and keeping him engaged in sports during the off-season. This involvement marked the beginning of White spending more time with the Poff family, often staying with them on weekends or during tough times.
White’s athletic prowess became increasingly evident as he quickly moved through the ranks. He skipped eighth grade and immediately began playing varsity football as a freshman at William Penn High School. When his mother moved back to Florida during his sophomore year, White remained in York, which provided stability as he navigated the college football recruiting process. During this period, the Poff family fully embraced White, with Dan Poff even constructing an addition to their home to accommodate him.
Despite his rising success, White remained deeply connected to his roots. His mother, whom he describes as his best friend and the strongest woman he knows, was by his side at key moments, including Senior Night, his letter-of-intent signing, and his high school graduation. White’s loyalty to his mother, combined with the unwavering support of the Poff family, played a crucial role in his development both on and off the field.
Even with White’s impressive high school career, which included setting a career rushing record, many college coaches were hesitant to recruit him, primarily due to his height of 5-foot-7. However, during a summer football camp in Morgantown, West Virginia, Chad Scott, West Virginia’s running backs coach, recognized White’s exceptional talent and potential. Scott was particularly impressed with White’s abilities, describing his talent as “scary.”
This talent became undeniable as White ended his freshman season with a strong performance, rushing for 522 yards in November alone, including a standout 204-yard game against Cincinnati. White’s average of 7.7 yards per carry set a school record, and his 842 yards for the season ranked fourth among all-time Mountaineer freshmen. His accomplishments placed him among the elite freshmen in West Virginia’s football history, a group that includes members of the university’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Despite his achievements, White has often flown under the radar. During the Big 12 media days in July, West Virginia coach Neal Brown expressed surprise that out-of-state media didn’t ask about White, emphasizing that he believed White was a special player. This lack of attention mirrors the general underestimation of the West Virginia team, which, despite having a strong returning ground game, was left out of the preseason AP Top 25 and was predicted to finish seventh in the Big 12. White, in turn, embraces this underdog status, stating that he loves playing with a chip on his shoulder.
White’s resilience and ability to adapt to whatever challenges life throws at him have not gone unnoticed by Poff, who describes him as a survivor and a fighter. She has seen him carry his team through tough situations countless times, always emerging on top. White’s determination and strength, both on and off the field, have made Poff incredibly proud.
Interestingly, as much as White needed the Poff family, they needed him too. Poff, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the age of 41, found herself questioning many aspects of her life during that difficult period. However, she believes that her illness led her back to teaching and, ultimately, to White. Poff sees White as a blessing that came into her life at a time when she needed it most. She expresses deep gratitude for the way their lives have intertwined, viewing White’s presence in their family as one of the greatest honors and blessings they’ve ever received.
In the end, White’s story is one of resilience, community, and the unexpected ways in which lives can become connected. His journey from Miami to York, and now to West Virginia, has been shaped by the support of both his biological family and his chosen family, the Poffs. Their shared experiences have not only shaped White into the player he is today but have also provided him with a strong foundation of love and support that will carry him forward in his football career and beyond.
