In an effort to learn more about the 2011 Buffalo Bills draft class members, Buffalobills.com has launched a new Q&A feature called FOUR DOWNS …
Today, Mississippi State Head Coach Dan Mullen talks about Bills sixth round draft selection (169th overall) LB Chris White. Mullen talks about White's unique athleticism and says his best days are ahead of him at the linebacker position. Coach Mullen also tells us where we can find Chris when he's not on the football field (out hunting or fishing).
Mullen shares more impressions of White in today's edition of FOUR DOWNS …
1st DOWN
Describe Chris White in 30 seconds or less …
He is a throwback player that loves the game. He comes to work every day. He is a tough physical hard-nosed linebacker. He is the type of guy you want to play on your team or that you want to play with. He will make all the guys on your team around him better. He will give you everything he has in everything he does.
What is Chris White's best quality as a football player?
Really, his athleticism. He is not out there with wristbands and all the gloves looking pretty on the field. He will deceive you with how athletic he is. He was one on the most athletic guys we had on the field for us this year.
2nd DOWN
What is the biggest change you noticed in Chris White from the time he entered school to now?
He took some huge steps forward in understanding of the game. I think his best football is still ahead of him. I think he is still adjusting to being a linebacker at the highest level of football. He is going to continue to improve over the next couple of years. The strides he took for us over the last two years have been unbelievable. He went from a guy that was very athletic and using his athletic ability to make plays to becoming a very good linebacker over the last two years. He played other positions early in his football career. I think his best football is still ahead of him, that is his biggest attribute.
Editor's note: White led Mississippi State in tackles – 110, tackles for loss – 15.5 and sacks – 6.0 in 2010. He also added two interceptions.
What is the most memorable moment or biggest highlight in Chris White's college career?
Dominating the Florida game this year. He had a couple of sacks and forced fumbles in the game down in 'The Swamp' when we came up with the big win down there.
Editor's note: In a 10-7 victory at Florida, White posted game highs in tackles – 11, tackles for loss – 4.5 and sacks – 2.5 on October 16, 2010.
3rd DOWN
What will Chris White bring to the Buffalo Bills football team?
A great team guy. He is all about doing whatever it takes to help the team win. He is willing to play several different positions. He will play on special teams. He is going to be committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team win. He is a high-character guy and gives you 100 percent in everything he does.
What is Chris White's best quality off the field?
His work ethic. He is a guy that came from junior college and from day one he did not need any encouragement in terms of getting himself ready to play. His dedication to offseason training and commitment in the weight room and everything he does is unbelievable.
4th DOWN
What will Chris White contribute to the Buffalo community?
If anybody likes to hunt or fish that is who he will be with. I remember driving home from work and he would be fishing on the pond down at the top of my street. If he was not fishing he was out hunting and loves that too. He is just an unbelievable high-character young man. Anybody who meets him is going to like him – that is if you can get him out of the camouflage on the tree stand or away from the fishing pond.
