Thursday, October 15, 1998
Quiet dignity
FEATURE: Sophomore linebacker Tony White rockets up the ranks to
lead the team by example
By Jeff Kmiotek
Daily Bruin Staff
Just a year ago, Tony White was doing his freshman duties,
carrying teammate Brendon Ayanbadejo’s folders and making sure he
woke up in time for breakfast.
This year, his duties have changed.
White’s days of serving Brendon his bacon are long gone. Now,
White is the toast of the team.
White, an inside linebacker, has quickly emerged as a team
leader and one of the Bruins’ top defensive contributors. He’s made
such an impression that Coach Bob Toledo did something last week
that he hadn’t done before. In fact, it was something that Toledo
had never seen done by anyone in his 25 years of coaching.
Tony White, a sophomore, was named a captain for last week’s
contest against Arizona, an honor usually reserved for
upperclassmen.
"I told my friends that I thought it was a joke," said White.
"But I looked at (Toledo) and he had a serious look in his
eye."
"I knew it would be pretty hard living up to being a team
captain as a sophomore," he added.
White definitely did not disappoint. He intercepted a Keith
Smith pass in the fourth quarter, his second pick in as many games.
UCLA scored on the ensuing play to put Arizona away, 52-28. White
also forced a Wildcat fumble that resulted in UCLA’s first
touchdown of the game. If you ask White about his interception,
he’d only give the humble response you’d expect from someone so
modest.
"It looks better on TV," White said. "I saw my man waving his
hands to the quarterback, and all of the sudden I remember getting
up with the football and everybody hitting me in the head."
White won’t tell you about his accomplishments. He doesn’t speak
of the plays he makes, just the ones he doesn’t. He focuses on his
mistakes rather than his triumphs. He didn’t even feel he was
worthy of this feature. But if his statistics aren’t proof enough,
his leadership skills are.
"There’s a reason he played as a true freshman," said Toledo.
"He’s a very capable guy. He’s got a lot of leadership ability and
a lot of physical ability."
White knew going into spring practice that he would have a
chance to start, but he never imagined that he’d be playing and
contributing as much as he has. White ranks third on the team with
18 tackles and has two of UCLA’s six interceptions.
But the 5-foot-6-inch, 235-pound White is about more than
numbers. He plays a pivotal role in defensive play calling and
leads his team by example.
"I have a lot of responsibilites. I try not to be one of those
people who lead by talking. I try to go out there and work hard
every day, so people can actually see me doing the stuff that I’m
trying to get them to do," said White.
White is already playing beyond expectations, and every day he
works intensely on improving every facet of his game.
"I’m learning my responsibilities better, trying to be a better
leader. I want to establish the UCLA defense and be part of a
defense that’s the best in the conference," he said.
He couldn’t have asked to be in a better situation.
Back in El Paso, Texas, he had to decide whether to commit to
Oklahoma State or UCLA. When Oklahoma St. told White he would lose
his scholarship if he visited Westwood, he decided to become a
Bruin. It was a choice he wouldn’t regret.
"I’m really happy. At the time, you’re kind of thinking ‘why did
I do it?, was it the best choice?’ But I’m starting and we have a
shot at the national championship, so this is the best place I
could be."
Born in Florida, White spent most of his childhood in New York
before moving to Texas for middle and high school. White and his
younger brother were raised by their mother in New York before
White went to play sports in El Paso. But he has remained very
close to his mother, talking to her on the phone almost every
day.
"Sometimes we joke around," said White, "but mainly she tells me
to be a good boy and to make my grades."
White’s brother may soon join him at UCLA, but not because of
his football skills. The high school junior is one of the top
hoopsters in El Paso.
"He’s a really, really good basketball player," said White. "I
introduced him to Coach Lavin when he visited me."
If Tony White’s attitude and work ethic run in the family, then
any White would be a benefit to UCLA.
But White wouldn’t tell you that. He talks with sincere
humility. He walks with a quiet dignity.
His actions lead his way.MARY CIECEK
Inside linebacker Tony White is only a sophomore but is the
football team captain.
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