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Whenever White scores a touchdown, he will tap his left wrist – where he has the name "James Willis" tattooed – and point to the heavens in honor of his grandfather's memory. 26 // VARSITY November 28, 2013 But, first, he will embrace his family. He will hug his mom, Lisa, a probation officer; he will hug his dad, Tyrone, a police officer; he will hug his brother, Tyrone Jr., a recent Central Florida grad. Lisa and Tyrone raised the kids in Ft. Lauderdale, but they now live in Miami with James' grandmother. He was named after his late grandfather, James Willis. Whenever he scores a touchdown, he will tap his left wrist ― where he has the name "James Willis" tattooed ― and point to the heavens in honor of his grandfather's memory. James Willis passed away when James White was in the eighth grade. He was kind of a second father figure, he said, and a great fan. James White has never lacked direction. "My parents have been great influences on me," he said. "They've led by example and they've been great role models. "They still give me great advice each and every day, each and every week. I just try to follow the example that they've set for me. "When I was recruited, they were right by my side, helping make my decision. They went on all of the recruiting trips and helped formulate the questions that I asked the coaches. "I listened to their opinion and they both accepted my choice when I said that I was coming to the University of Wisconsin." White laughed when it was suggested that he always had to make the right choices when he was growing up because his dad was a cop; that he had no other choice. "Exactly. You don't want to get into trouble," he said. "You're going to know the law and it's going to be preached to you each and every time you leave the house and wherever you go. "My dad has a great head on his shoulders. So does my mom. They've tried to get to every game that I've played at Wisconsin. They've probably only missed two or three." His older brother has also been a positive influence on his growth. "He has been there every step of the way," White said. "He's given me advice, too, and set a great example. He got his degree in accounting and it's another reason why I want DAVID STLUKA F or the first time in his Wisconsin career, James White will not try to side-step anybody in the open field; not with his mom and dad and brother waiting for him during senior introductions. Anticipating an emotional pregame ceremony Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium, he said, "Who knows what I'll be thinking? I'll give them a hug when I run out there and I'll go out and play football." The business-like approach has served him well over the last four seasons. "You can't get too emotional because we still have a football game to play against Penn State," he reminded himself. "It will be a great atmosphere and hopefully I will go out with a bang."