"I actually started playing Australian football in the under-eights," the 196cm youngster said on Friday. "Everyone thinks I came from basketball but I've always played footy.
"I just took a couple of years off to play basketball but then came back to it in under-16s. I've always played AFL."
White has been named by Sydney to line up against North Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday and, a week out from Peter Everitt's prospective return, has been given an opportunity to work in tandem with Darren Jolly.
"I'm a little nervy but really excited," he said. "I'm going to be playing up forward and into the ruck."
The 20-year-old former Southport junior is in his second season at the Swans after starring in the club's premiership-winning reserves side last season. His mentor at the club is co-captain Leo Barry.
"He's a really good kid and that gives you a chance," coach Paul Roos said of White.
"Physically he's an ex-basketballer who's got good athleticism and can jump. And probably coming from a non-football state, maybe Queensland is a bit more advanced, but he came to us pretty raw but he's improved and there's a lot of improvement in him.
"But his first job is just to do his role on the weekend and be competitive. And I'm confident he can do that."
White's physique could accommodate a future as a key position player, not that he's thinking that far ahead.
"I haven't been able to sleep much since I was told on Wednesday I was a chance," he said.
"My ambition is to hold my spot and play my role in the side. Hopefully I can keep Spida (Everitt) out of the side," he added with a smile.
"Once Jesse realises how big and strong he is, he could be a very, very good player," Roos chimed.
