ATHENS - After spring practice, Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder knew that linebacker Derrick White deserved to start.
"I just didn't know where," VanGorder said Wednesday.
White, a junior, had played in 26 games as a top backup and fill-in starter in 2002 and 2003, and his ability to play all three linebacker spots made him a valuable safety net for the defense.
White was ready to step in when star middle linebacker Odell Thurman _ White's roommate _ was suspended for the first three games of the season as fall practice opened. White is left to play a key role for No. 3 Georgia in Saturday 3 p.m. season opener against Georgia Southern.
Thurman, suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules, was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference player last year. White has had Thurman's help as he has moved into the starting job.
"Odell is always encouraging me," White said after Wednesday's practice. "These last couple of days he's been talking to me and going over plays. We're going to the room now and watch some film. It's a friend helping a friend. Now I have my chance to go in and take his experiences and take advantage of them."
While Thurman is a big hitter with a flair for big plays - including a 99-yard interception return against Auburn last year - White has been more of a supporting character than a lead actor on the defense. Thurman says White may emerge as a top player this year.
"Derrick is one of the best players out there, I think," Thurman said. "He just hasn't had his chance."
White prides himself on filling his role and earning high grades for taking care of his assignments.
"He's a player I trust," VanGorder said. "He's gonna be where he's supposed to be. He grades out really high as far as assignments. To this point he hasn't been the big impact player. As far as making a tackle goes, he'll make the tackle but it's not the big dynamic hit."
With the golden ends of his dreadlocks framing his face, White looks like he would enjoy playing with more of a flair.
While VanGorder says White could emerge as a play-maker this year, White insists he is content to have end David Pollack, safety Thomas Davis and others take care of the big plays.
"I always picture myself as making the big play, but I'm just playing my role because we have a lot of big-play kind of guys," White said. "I'm not trying to stand out. I'm just trying to do what it takes to help the team win. I'm just the type of guy who will play my fundamental gap and let the game come to me."
White, from Union City, made three starts last year and set a personal high with 12 tackles against Alabama. When starting weakside linebacker Tony Taylor suffered a knee injury in the spring game that will keep him out all season, White was the favorite to move into that starting job. Then the defense took another hit with Thurman's suspension.
Now sophomore Danny Verdun Wheeler moves into a starting job at weakside linebacker. Senior Arnold Harrison returns at strongside linebacker. Freshman Brandon Miller, who is playing behind Harrison, sophomore Jarvis Jackson and junior Jamario Smith are the top backups.
When Thurman returns, White may move to one of the outside linebacker spots. He says he's not worried.
"Right now, it's a great opportunity for me," he said. "After Odell comes back, it all depends on the coach. Whatever the coach wants me to do, I'll do it. It doesn't matter to me. Anything to help the team."
Tuesday
March 4th, 2025
9:59PM
