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Stan White, Jr. is one of a number of current Buckeyes who are leading the way academically as well as on the field. This Bud's for you.
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FootballWhite Says Summer Conditioning was Fruitful, but It's Time for Some FootballBy John Porentas
The Buckeyes wound down summer conditioning in late July before the heat wave that currently is sweltering Columbus set in, but it was plenty hot while they were working out. Fifth-year senior fullback Stan White was running sprints in the late-July heat as conditioning drills wound down, and between each rep White poured copious amounts of water over his head trying to stay cool. It worked, White stayed cool, but the water ran down his head and body and into his running shoes, adding about a half a pound to each of them and making the sprints all that more difficult.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=100 align=left border=0><CAPTION align=bottom>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stan White Jr. [/FONT]</CAPTION><TBODY><TR><TD>
FootballWhite Says Summer Conditioning was Fruitful, but It's Time for Some FootballBy John Porentas
The Buckeyes wound down summer conditioning in late July before the heat wave that currently is sweltering Columbus set in, but it was plenty hot while they were working out. Fifth-year senior fullback Stan White was running sprints in the late-July heat as conditioning drills wound down, and between each rep White poured copious amounts of water over his head trying to stay cool. It worked, White stayed cool, but the water ran down his head and body and into his running shoes, adding about a half a pound to each of them and making the sprints all that more difficult.
"I can't every remember that happening before," laughed White, "at least the part where they (the shoes) get real heavy."
White, like all the Buckeyes we talked to this summer, claims the team came out of summer conditioning in excellent shape.
"I think sometimes in times past the attitude was that summer conditioning was just something you had to endure and get through. This year it's been more a mindset of it's an opportunity to improve ourselves, so it's not getting through it, it's maximizing it," said White.
Like so many of the other Buckeyes White says that he is not only in shape, but is faster, so much so that he actually was worried that he had dropped weight because he was moving so well. A trip to the scale calmed him down.
"I weight just as much as I ever have, I'm over 250, and I actually was a little scared to get on the scale at the end of the week, because I thought I was going to be a light because I was feeling so fast," he said.
"I got on the scales and I was as heavy as I've every been. I think when you work out hard and do it for a long time its hard to do that, but Coach Lichter has done a great job of getting us prepared."
The Buckeyes were off last week, but will get to serious business this week when they reconvene for fall camp.
"We've been working real hard, maybe harder than any summer since I've been here," said White.
"It's time for the season to start. Some guys like to work out, some guys like to be on the field all time, I like working out, but I'm ready for the season to start.
"People have been talking for so long about what this thing could be, it's about time for us to actually go out there and do something about that. There's definitely a sense of anticipation to get out there and actually show what we can do, not have it just be the press talking, but actually us out there doing," White said.
White came to Ohio State a heralded linebacker/tight end, but was in a class that included players like A. J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, special talents that made it tough for White to get on the field as a linebacker. He eventually found himself at tight end, then fullback, as he searched for a way to contribute to his team. White says he has no regrets about the way his career has unfolded.
"I've always said that I'm a football player, that's why I initially got recruited in a class that was full of linebackers, because I could play a number of different positions," he said.
"I think that I've found a niche where I can be successful. I think I showed last year that I could get the job done and be a player you can count on. This year my goal is to be not just a player you can count on, but to make impact plays."
On a team that will feature talented running backs, explosive wideouts and a proven playmaker at quarterback, it's hard to imagine the fullback position as one that will be counted on as a playmaking position. White smiled, however, when asked if the fullback would ever get a carry in 2006.
"That is a great question," he deadpanned, that smiled when he added "I think they're saving that for the right opportunity, the right moment, a special play that will break right up the seam and go 86 yards."
In his final go-round as a Buckeye, White will be an important cog in an OSU offense that is being depended on to carry the team to great heights. Those kind of expectations, along with a lofty preseason ranking, bring pressure, but pressure is something White has learned to cope with at Ohio State.
"I don't know if the pressure is ever not there at Ohio State no matter the season," he said.
"Preseason rankings, as long as you are in the top-15 it doesn't hurt you, as long as you have a shot to do it (win a national title), I don't know if it really matters."
White, like all the Buckeyes we talked to this summer, claims the team came out of summer conditioning in excellent shape.
"I think sometimes in times past the attitude was that summer conditioning was just something you had to endure and get through. This year it's been more a mindset of it's an opportunity to improve ourselves, so it's not getting through it, it's maximizing it," said White.
Like so many of the other Buckeyes White says that he is not only in shape, but is faster, so much so that he actually was worried that he had dropped weight because he was moving so well. A trip to the scale calmed him down.
"I weight just as much as I ever have, I'm over 250, and I actually was a little scared to get on the scale at the end of the week, because I thought I was going to be a light because I was feeling so fast," he said.
"I got on the scales and I was as heavy as I've every been. I think when you work out hard and do it for a long time its hard to do that, but Coach Lichter has done a great job of getting us prepared."
The Buckeyes were off last week, but will get to serious business this week when they reconvene for fall camp.
"We've been working real hard, maybe harder than any summer since I've been here," said White.
"It's time for the season to start. Some guys like to work out, some guys like to be on the field all time, I like working out, but I'm ready for the season to start.
"People have been talking for so long about what this thing could be, it's about time for us to actually go out there and do something about that. There's definitely a sense of anticipation to get out there and actually show what we can do, not have it just be the press talking, but actually us out there doing," White said.
White came to Ohio State a heralded linebacker/tight end, but was in a class that included players like A. J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, special talents that made it tough for White to get on the field as a linebacker. He eventually found himself at tight end, then fullback, as he searched for a way to contribute to his team. White says he has no regrets about the way his career has unfolded.
"I've always said that I'm a football player, that's why I initially got recruited in a class that was full of linebackers, because I could play a number of different positions," he said.
"I think that I've found a niche where I can be successful. I think I showed last year that I could get the job done and be a player you can count on. This year my goal is to be not just a player you can count on, but to make impact plays."
On a team that will feature talented running backs, explosive wideouts and a proven playmaker at quarterback, it's hard to imagine the fullback position as one that will be counted on as a playmaking position. White smiled, however, when asked if the fullback would ever get a carry in 2006.
"That is a great question," he deadpanned, that smiled when he added "I think they're saving that for the right opportunity, the right moment, a special play that will break right up the seam and go 86 yards."
In his final go-round as a Buckeye, White will be an important cog in an OSU offense that is being depended on to carry the team to great heights. Those kind of expectations, along with a lofty preseason ranking, bring pressure, but pressure is something White has learned to cope with at Ohio State.
"I don't know if the pressure is ever not there at Ohio State no matter the season," he said.
"Preseason rankings, as long as you are in the top-15 it doesn't hurt you, as long as you have a shot to do it (win a national title), I don't know if it really matters."
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DDN
Buckeyes' White doesn't mind toiling in shadows
By Doug Harris
Staff Writer
COLUMBUS — Playing fullback at Ohio State means you'd better get your jollies from performing thankless tasks, the kind that get you seen only slightly more than the stadium broom collector. But fifth-year senior starter Stan White Jr. is reveling in his role.
<!--endtext-->
<!-- inset --> <!--begintext--> White doesn't see action unless the Buckeyes are in two-back sets, meaning fewer than a dozen plays per game.
But he was on the field in the waning moments against Michigan last year, throwing the block that freed Antonio Pittman for a 3-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds left in a gripping 25-21 win.
"Before that play, everyone in the huddle was saying, 'We've got to take it in,' " White said. "I fired off the ball as hard as I could, bounced off that guy and put him on the ground — and was watching from my stomach as Pitt crossed the goal line.
"It's definitely a memory I'll have the rest of my life. But my goal this year is to make enough plays so that people don't remember me only for that."
The Baltimore native was recruited as a linebacker and arrived as part of a celebrated quartet at the position. A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter became first-round NFL draft picks, and Mike D'Andrea, the most heralded of the bunch, is still contending with injuries that have kept him from reaching his potential.
With the congestion at that spot, White switched to tight end before eventually surfacing at fullback. He had just three receptions out of the backfield last season and no carries, but he prides himself on being versatile.
"I've always said I'm a football player," he pointed out. "I think the coaches do a great job finding the best players for those positions. What I want is to just find a place to get on the field every down I can and help the team as much as possible. Whatever they want to do with me, I'm fine with that."
White — who already is enrolled in graduate school and has applied to become a Rhodes Scholar — was steeped in Buckeye tradition. His father, Stan White Sr., was an All-Big Ten linebacker at OSU in 1970 and '71, but even stars from those days would often make occasional visits to coach Woody Hayes' doghouse.
"People forget that my dad was the place-kicker for three years, and he missed an extra point once," White said. "When he came off the field, Woody slugged him and said, 'If you miss another one, I'll kill you.'
"I don't think that would fly in this day and age."
Buckeyes' White doesn't mind toiling in shadows
By Doug Harris
Staff Writer
COLUMBUS — Playing fullback at Ohio State means you'd better get your jollies from performing thankless tasks, the kind that get you seen only slightly more than the stadium broom collector. But fifth-year senior starter Stan White Jr. is reveling in his role.
<!--endtext-->
<!-- inset --> <!--begintext--> White doesn't see action unless the Buckeyes are in two-back sets, meaning fewer than a dozen plays per game.
But he was on the field in the waning moments against Michigan last year, throwing the block that freed Antonio Pittman for a 3-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds left in a gripping 25-21 win.
"Before that play, everyone in the huddle was saying, 'We've got to take it in,' " White said. "I fired off the ball as hard as I could, bounced off that guy and put him on the ground — and was watching from my stomach as Pitt crossed the goal line.
"It's definitely a memory I'll have the rest of my life. But my goal this year is to make enough plays so that people don't remember me only for that."
The Baltimore native was recruited as a linebacker and arrived as part of a celebrated quartet at the position. A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter became first-round NFL draft picks, and Mike D'Andrea, the most heralded of the bunch, is still contending with injuries that have kept him from reaching his potential.
With the congestion at that spot, White switched to tight end before eventually surfacing at fullback. He had just three receptions out of the backfield last season and no carries, but he prides himself on being versatile.
"I've always said I'm a football player," he pointed out. "I think the coaches do a great job finding the best players for those positions. What I want is to just find a place to get on the field every down I can and help the team as much as possible. Whatever they want to do with me, I'm fine with that."
White — who already is enrolled in graduate school and has applied to become a Rhodes Scholar — was steeped in Buckeye tradition. His father, Stan White Sr., was an All-Big Ten linebacker at OSU in 1970 and '71, but even stars from those days would often make occasional visits to coach Woody Hayes' doghouse.
"People forget that my dad was the place-kicker for three years, and he missed an extra point once," White said. "When he came off the field, Woody slugged him and said, 'If you miss another one, I'll kill you.'
"I don't think that would fly in this day and age."
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
White has become one of my favorite Buckeyes, here is a guy who was a star LB in high school, highly recruited who changed positions when he got to college and does the dirty work. I hope he has lots of success this year.
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official.site
Just Tell Me Where To Play
Stan White Jr. fills a variety of roles for the Buckeyes
Sept. 16, 2006 By Pat Kindig
Take a minute and revert to last season. This may be difficult to comprehend, but envision Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman being stuffed at the Michigan 2-yard line with less than 30 seconds to play and the Wolverines defeating the Buckeyes, 21-19, ending Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes.
In the ensuing Fiesta Bowl, imagine if Pittman's 60-yard touchdown jaunt that sealed the victory over Notre Dame never happened and Irish All-American quarterback Brady Quinn got the ball back with the Buckeyes clinging to a 27-20 lead in the last two minutes.
In the back-and-forth first half at Minnesota, picture Buckeye kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. unable to burst through the Golden Gophers special teams unit for a 100-yard touchdown.
On all three of those plays, Ohio State senior fullback [URL="http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/white_stan00.html"]Stan White Jr.[/URL] cleared the path to the endzone. Without White's lead blocks, those outcomes may never have happened and the Buckeyes' decorated season might have taken a turn in the opposite direction. White's contribution to those key situations last year, as well as countless others, typically goes unnoticed.
As a fullback in the Buckeyes offense, White, who has touched the football three times in his career, receives little statistical reward. Dick Tressel, Ohio State running backs coach, explained, however, fullback at Ohio State may be a position with no stats, but the role plays a lead in a large number of the offense's productive plays.
"You look at two of the bigger plays we had last season and they show how effective a player Stan is," Tressel said. "He made those blocks from different positions. He led Pittman around the end against Notre Dame last year from the backfield. In the touchdown at the end of the Michigan game,
he led Pittman off-tackle from the line of scrimmage."
Tressel also said there is much more to White's duties than lead blocking. White is not just a personal battering ram for Pittman, Buckeye quarterback Troy Smith and their backfield mates Chris Wells and Maurice Wells.
"Stan's diversity can paint an incorrect picture for opposing defenses," Tressel said. "Defenses may assume what we are going to do when he is in the game, but since Stan can do so much we have many options. He is not just a blocker. He also is a good receiver. Fullback is a perfect example of having to be a complete player. You have to be able to succeed in a variety of roles and have the mental capacity to anticipate where you're needed each play."
Now playing his third position at Ohio State, White knows what it means to be a versatile player. He was recruited as a linebacker, then moved to tight end before he settled into his fullback role. White's ability to play multiple spots provides a huge advantage to an offense that may ask the fullback to line up in various positions, depending on offensive sets. Within those sets, White may be called upon to run block, pass protect or run a pass route.
"The fullback can create mismatches for the defense," White said. "From lining up in the I-formation, as a wing, a slot or even move up and play tight end. That versatility can control an opposing defense and how it positions its linebackers and defensive backs. In turn, that makes it easier for the playmakers to make big plays."
White's father, Stan White Sr., who was a linebacker at Ohio State and later played for the NFL's Baltimore Colts, agreed his son's ability to perform varied tasks on the field is a valued attribute.
"He called me the day he switched and I told him if it is good for the team it is good for the individual," White Sr. said. "And it has been good for him. He learned so much at all those positions. At different times, the team may need you in different ways. Having experience at several spots allows Stan to adapt quickly."
Ironically, White Sr. was recruited as a tight end to Ohio State, but finished his career as an All-American linebacker. He thinks his son has found his niche at fullback.
"Fullback is a great role for Stan," White Sr. said. "I do radio broadcasts for the Baltimore Ravens and we had a production meeting recently with Ravens head coach Brian Billick. We talked for quite sometime about the role of the fullback/tight end positions and how they can affect defensive personnel. Having the ability to run, block and catch, as well as play several positions, is something professional coaches are looking for."
Although lead-blocking mainly can be termed as a physical job detail for a fullback, White Jr., a fifth-year senior and 2006 Rhodes Scholar nominee, credited mental strength as the main component to opening running lanes for the Buckeye ground attack.
"The difference between a 5-yard gain and a 50-yard game-breaker can hinge on six or eight inches of the fullback's block," White Jr. said. "It can be that meticulous. For that reason, you have to be able to think on your feet and know where you need to get to make that play as successful as possible."
White's capacity for the cerebral aspect of the game, combined with his experience at several positions also has helped him ease into the role of senior leader for the Buckeyes this season, assuming a responsibility of player-coach with the younger Buckeyes.
"Stan knows our offense from back-to-front," Pittman, who rushed for 1,331 yards last season, said. "If someone has a problem knowing where to line up or what to do, Stan is the one who helps them. He has changed positions several times, from linebacker to tight end to fullback and back to tight end and to fullback. It is like having a coach out there with you on the field."
White said it seems like yesterday he was one of those younger guys coming into camp, seeking direction from the older players. He now carries that duty on his shoulders.
"It has been quite an adjustment over the years I have been here," White Jr. said. "I can't just go out and do my job and leave it at that. I have to help the younger guys, like Dionte Johnson and Aram Olson learn. I have been helping them learn the ins-and-outs of the offensive line a lot."
Tressel views White as the perfect role model for younger players.
"Young guys see Stan and how being multi-faceted is a huge piece to the puzzle," Tressel said. "He no doubt understands the game. He actually coaches the coaches. He brings us information about different defensive approaches and we use that for our strategy."
White thinks his current position translates well into coaching and the opportunity might be worth exploring in the future.
"A lot like quarterbacks and linebackers, fullbacks have to know the offensive line's blocking assignment, where the tailback is going and what the receivers are doing on every play. You can't just go out and do your assignment and be done with it. We have to understand the big picture of every play. Knowing that helps get an instinctive feel for an offense, which
for some, ultimately leads to coaching.
"I love the game of football, especially all the strategy involved. Coaching is something I would consider doing. I am not sure at what level, but that is something that might be worth exploring."
White's father hinted at the possibility of his son returning to Baltimore and coaching in a family affair at the high school level.
"Anytime you have a guy whose biggest strength is his mental approach to the game that is a gateway to coaching," White Sr. said. "Stan has some athletic gifts for sure, but he has learned the academic side of the game. I still coach a high school team and Stan has talked about coming back and coaching at that level. Who knows, he may decide to pursue coaching at a higher level."
When examining the profession at its highest ranks, many NFL head coaches and coordinator positions are filled by former multitalented fullbacks like White Jr., who spent time in their careers playing at fullback or what is termed H-back, a hybrid between a tight end and fullback. The H-back can line up in the backfield, on the line or can be put in motion prior to the snap. On one play, he may be asked to serve as lead blocker and the next he may sprint 15 yards downfield on a pass route.
Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator for the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, was an H-back during his playing days at Georgia Tech. The offensive coordinators for the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers were fullbacks as well. Maurice Carthon, who owns Super Bowl XXI and XXV rings as a fullback with the New York Giants, is in his fifth season as an offensive coordinator in the NFL and is calling plays for the Browns this season.
Before White considers jumping into the actual coaching ranks, he has a season left at Ohio State, where he not only serves as a coach to the younger players on the field, but also has become an academic mentor.
"Stan sets the bar high academically," Pittman said. "His schoolwork ethic is one of the best on the team. He is in grad school right now getting his masters. He inspires the younger guys on the team and they try to accomplish what he is doing right now. You could not ask for a better
example than Stan."
To White, balance is the key.
"The younger guys have to realize there needs to be a balance," White, who carries a 3.8 grade-point average as a double major in business-finance, said. "They have to take the time to keep focused on their studies, especially during the season. They have to find time to study, but also rest as well. That is just as important to having a good balance."
Much of White's success in the classroom can be attributed to his father.
"I definitely pushed my kids more in academics than I did athletics," White Sr., said. "It all goes back to what Woody Hayes used to say. Your next play could be your last, but they can never take away your education. When I was playing in the NFL, Coach Woody Hayes was the one that convinced me to go to law school. I'm a firm believer in what he taught and I expressed the same thing to my three children."
Between his academic accomplishments and his success with the Buckeyes, White Jr. has served as the ultimate example of a team player. Having switched positions multiple times into his present all-guts, no-glory role and helped direct more inexperienced players not only on the field but in life, White Jr. has done whatever has been asked of him to help the Buckeyes win.
"I am a guy that will play wherever I am most useful to the team," he said. "It is difficult to switch positions. You find yourself at the bottom of the totem poll, so to speak, after you do. It has taught me a lot in life. It's taught me to persevere and keep working hard. If you do that, things will work out."
Just Tell Me Where To Play
Stan White Jr. fills a variety of roles for the Buckeyes
Sept. 16, 2006 By Pat Kindig
Take a minute and revert to last season. This may be difficult to comprehend, but envision Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman being stuffed at the Michigan 2-yard line with less than 30 seconds to play and the Wolverines defeating the Buckeyes, 21-19, ending Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes.
In the ensuing Fiesta Bowl, imagine if Pittman's 60-yard touchdown jaunt that sealed the victory over Notre Dame never happened and Irish All-American quarterback Brady Quinn got the ball back with the Buckeyes clinging to a 27-20 lead in the last two minutes.
In the back-and-forth first half at Minnesota, picture Buckeye kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. unable to burst through the Golden Gophers special teams unit for a 100-yard touchdown.
On all three of those plays, Ohio State senior fullback [URL="http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/white_stan00.html"]Stan White Jr.[/URL] cleared the path to the endzone. Without White's lead blocks, those outcomes may never have happened and the Buckeyes' decorated season might have taken a turn in the opposite direction. White's contribution to those key situations last year, as well as countless others, typically goes unnoticed.
As a fullback in the Buckeyes offense, White, who has touched the football three times in his career, receives little statistical reward. Dick Tressel, Ohio State running backs coach, explained, however, fullback at Ohio State may be a position with no stats, but the role plays a lead in a large number of the offense's productive plays.
"You look at two of the bigger plays we had last season and they show how effective a player Stan is," Tressel said. "He made those blocks from different positions. He led Pittman around the end against Notre Dame last year from the backfield. In the touchdown at the end of the Michigan game,
he led Pittman off-tackle from the line of scrimmage."
Tressel also said there is much more to White's duties than lead blocking. White is not just a personal battering ram for Pittman, Buckeye quarterback Troy Smith and their backfield mates Chris Wells and Maurice Wells.
"Stan's diversity can paint an incorrect picture for opposing defenses," Tressel said. "Defenses may assume what we are going to do when he is in the game, but since Stan can do so much we have many options. He is not just a blocker. He also is a good receiver. Fullback is a perfect example of having to be a complete player. You have to be able to succeed in a variety of roles and have the mental capacity to anticipate where you're needed each play."
Now playing his third position at Ohio State, White knows what it means to be a versatile player. He was recruited as a linebacker, then moved to tight end before he settled into his fullback role. White's ability to play multiple spots provides a huge advantage to an offense that may ask the fullback to line up in various positions, depending on offensive sets. Within those sets, White may be called upon to run block, pass protect or run a pass route.
"The fullback can create mismatches for the defense," White said. "From lining up in the I-formation, as a wing, a slot or even move up and play tight end. That versatility can control an opposing defense and how it positions its linebackers and defensive backs. In turn, that makes it easier for the playmakers to make big plays."
White's father, Stan White Sr., who was a linebacker at Ohio State and later played for the NFL's Baltimore Colts, agreed his son's ability to perform varied tasks on the field is a valued attribute.
"He called me the day he switched and I told him if it is good for the team it is good for the individual," White Sr. said. "And it has been good for him. He learned so much at all those positions. At different times, the team may need you in different ways. Having experience at several spots allows Stan to adapt quickly."
Ironically, White Sr. was recruited as a tight end to Ohio State, but finished his career as an All-American linebacker. He thinks his son has found his niche at fullback.
"Fullback is a great role for Stan," White Sr. said. "I do radio broadcasts for the Baltimore Ravens and we had a production meeting recently with Ravens head coach Brian Billick. We talked for quite sometime about the role of the fullback/tight end positions and how they can affect defensive personnel. Having the ability to run, block and catch, as well as play several positions, is something professional coaches are looking for."
Although lead-blocking mainly can be termed as a physical job detail for a fullback, White Jr., a fifth-year senior and 2006 Rhodes Scholar nominee, credited mental strength as the main component to opening running lanes for the Buckeye ground attack.
"The difference between a 5-yard gain and a 50-yard game-breaker can hinge on six or eight inches of the fullback's block," White Jr. said. "It can be that meticulous. For that reason, you have to be able to think on your feet and know where you need to get to make that play as successful as possible."
White's capacity for the cerebral aspect of the game, combined with his experience at several positions also has helped him ease into the role of senior leader for the Buckeyes this season, assuming a responsibility of player-coach with the younger Buckeyes.
"Stan knows our offense from back-to-front," Pittman, who rushed for 1,331 yards last season, said. "If someone has a problem knowing where to line up or what to do, Stan is the one who helps them. He has changed positions several times, from linebacker to tight end to fullback and back to tight end and to fullback. It is like having a coach out there with you on the field."
White said it seems like yesterday he was one of those younger guys coming into camp, seeking direction from the older players. He now carries that duty on his shoulders.
"It has been quite an adjustment over the years I have been here," White Jr. said. "I can't just go out and do my job and leave it at that. I have to help the younger guys, like Dionte Johnson and Aram Olson learn. I have been helping them learn the ins-and-outs of the offensive line a lot."
Tressel views White as the perfect role model for younger players.
"Young guys see Stan and how being multi-faceted is a huge piece to the puzzle," Tressel said. "He no doubt understands the game. He actually coaches the coaches. He brings us information about different defensive approaches and we use that for our strategy."
White thinks his current position translates well into coaching and the opportunity might be worth exploring in the future.
"A lot like quarterbacks and linebackers, fullbacks have to know the offensive line's blocking assignment, where the tailback is going and what the receivers are doing on every play. You can't just go out and do your assignment and be done with it. We have to understand the big picture of every play. Knowing that helps get an instinctive feel for an offense, which
for some, ultimately leads to coaching.
"I love the game of football, especially all the strategy involved. Coaching is something I would consider doing. I am not sure at what level, but that is something that might be worth exploring."
White's father hinted at the possibility of his son returning to Baltimore and coaching in a family affair at the high school level.
"Anytime you have a guy whose biggest strength is his mental approach to the game that is a gateway to coaching," White Sr. said. "Stan has some athletic gifts for sure, but he has learned the academic side of the game. I still coach a high school team and Stan has talked about coming back and coaching at that level. Who knows, he may decide to pursue coaching at a higher level."
When examining the profession at its highest ranks, many NFL head coaches and coordinator positions are filled by former multitalented fullbacks like White Jr., who spent time in their careers playing at fullback or what is termed H-back, a hybrid between a tight end and fullback. The H-back can line up in the backfield, on the line or can be put in motion prior to the snap. On one play, he may be asked to serve as lead blocker and the next he may sprint 15 yards downfield on a pass route.
Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator for the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, was an H-back during his playing days at Georgia Tech. The offensive coordinators for the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers were fullbacks as well. Maurice Carthon, who owns Super Bowl XXI and XXV rings as a fullback with the New York Giants, is in his fifth season as an offensive coordinator in the NFL and is calling plays for the Browns this season.
Before White considers jumping into the actual coaching ranks, he has a season left at Ohio State, where he not only serves as a coach to the younger players on the field, but also has become an academic mentor.
"Stan sets the bar high academically," Pittman said. "His schoolwork ethic is one of the best on the team. He is in grad school right now getting his masters. He inspires the younger guys on the team and they try to accomplish what he is doing right now. You could not ask for a better
example than Stan."
To White, balance is the key.
"The younger guys have to realize there needs to be a balance," White, who carries a 3.8 grade-point average as a double major in business-finance, said. "They have to take the time to keep focused on their studies, especially during the season. They have to find time to study, but also rest as well. That is just as important to having a good balance."
Much of White's success in the classroom can be attributed to his father.
"I definitely pushed my kids more in academics than I did athletics," White Sr., said. "It all goes back to what Woody Hayes used to say. Your next play could be your last, but they can never take away your education. When I was playing in the NFL, Coach Woody Hayes was the one that convinced me to go to law school. I'm a firm believer in what he taught and I expressed the same thing to my three children."
Between his academic accomplishments and his success with the Buckeyes, White Jr. has served as the ultimate example of a team player. Having switched positions multiple times into his present all-guts, no-glory role and helped direct more inexperienced players not only on the field but in life, White Jr. has done whatever has been asked of him to help the Buckeyes win.
"I am a guy that will play wherever I am most useful to the team," he said. "It is difficult to switch positions. You find yourself at the bottom of the totem poll, so to speak, after you do. It has taught me a lot in life. It's taught me to persevere and keep working hard. If you do that, things will work out."
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bucknut11
Defense still wins Championships
I'd really love to see Stan get a TD sometime this season. The guy's been great for us, switching postions countless times and doing all the dirty work - very well I might add - all while receiving very little recognition (from outside the team) for his efforts. So Troy, if you're reading this... can you call one for Stan in the redzone?
And if he can't get a TD, I'd like to see him pancake Crable into the endzone on the 18th of November, so he doesn't feel left out
And if he can't get a TD, I'd like to see him pancake Crable into the endzone on the 18th of November, so he doesn't feel left out
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Corporate finance? The Draddy? Talk about super cool, the sky is the limit for Stan White. Congratulations!
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