The White Light

In an era in which young athletes race toward the professional
ranks and the “student” aspect in student-athletes has
become less important, Manuel White Jr. is a rarity.

Deemed a silent leader, the Bruins’ top running back
values his education, lives at home, and is considered one of the
most humble members of the team.

“Everyone thinks they’re going to become a
superstar, a No. 1 draft pick,” White said. “Sometimes
people lose perspective on things.”

White would love to move past the collegiate level to the
National Football League; however, his hopes for the future are
modest: If he doesn’t make the NFL, he has thought about
becoming a fireman.

“Ten years from now, all I can hope for is to be
successful in whatever I’m doing,” he said.
“Sure, the NFL would be great. But having a nice family and
enjoying life with a peaceful mind is all I can ask for.”

This season the 6-foot-3, 245-pound running back has been very
successful indeed. He currently leads UCLA in rushing yards with
328 and leads the entire team with three touchdowns overall.

This season’s achievements haven’t come without
adversity. White opened the season without carrying the ball even
once against Colorado, and has switched back and forth between
tailback and fullback. But describing those hardships only
illustrates White’s humility.

“It was frustrating.” White said of the Colorado
game. “But I was frustrated that we lost the game, not that I
didn’t have any carries.”

According to the coaching staff, the change of positions is part
of the reason White has excelled this season.

“It’s helping him because he’s becoming a more
versatile player,” offensive coordinator Steve Axman said.
“There are not many guys that can play both tailback and
fullback, and still run, catch and block. He can do
everything.”

Since the season opener in Boulder, White has led the team in
rushing yards in four out of five games, running for over a 100
yards against both Washington and Illinois.

But it isn’t solely his statistics that have propelled
White as a leader for the Bruins.

“Manny is great,” tackle Steve Vierra said.
“He’s not going to showboat and is not the kind of guy
that’s going to celebrate a lot. He’s a silent leader
and leads by example.”

“He’s really helping us get where we need to
be,” Vierra added.

One factor that has propelled White is his size. His large frame
has allowed White to push through situations where smaller backs
have not been successful.

Fellow running back Tyler Ebell began the season as the
team’s first option, but White’s size and strength
enable him to have more success between the tackles. As a result,
Ebell has now fallen to the second option in short yardage
situations.

“There’s never been a problem between (Tyler and
me),” White said. “Even though we’re competing to
play, we’re still rooting for each other.”

Always humble, White credits his family for his
achievements.

“My parents are the reason why I’m who I am
today,” White said. “They’re why I’m here
at UCLA and have helped me remain focused.”

The White family instilled in Manuel the importance of
education.

White remains focused on his academics and his degree. In winter
quarter of 2002, he earned a spot on the Director’s Honor
Roll with his 3.10 grade point average.

Without a doubt, one thing UCLA has taught him academically is
economics. That’s part of the reason why he still lives at
home, commuting 30 minutes each way from Canyon Country.

“Living at home is like a hotel,” White said with a
grin, “but it’s free.”

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