White Gets Another Chance, This Time With 49ers

At age 25, former Crespi High star running back Russell White is facing perhaps his final football challenge.

White, an All-American at California who had flunked trials with the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers, signed for the NFL minimum of $164,000 with the San Francisco 49ers Friday.

White played for the London Monarchs of the World League this year, gaining 221 yards in 51 carries.

Since White--the top rusher in Cal history with 3,246 yards--was picked in the third round by the Rams in 1993, his NFL career has fizzled. He had two carries for 10 yards with the Rams his first year. Signed by Green Bay in 1995, he made the final cut but was eventually released without playing.