White Waits for Right Opportunity

Manuel White is rarely tackled without inflicting punishment on defenders. But the status of two teammates will dictate how often the 240-pound sophomore is able to carry the ball.

Reserve fullbacks Pat Norton and J.D. Groves must rebound from injuries to allow White to move from fullback to tailback more often.

Norton, a sophomore, played for the first time this season against Colorado after missing two games because of a sprained ankle. He looked rusty, often leaving his feet too soon on blocking assignments.

Groves, a freshman, has had significant on-the-job training but is hampered by a strained neck.

White has rushed for 155 yards, averaging 4.6 yards a carry, the same as starting tailback Akil Harris, who has gained 208 yards.

“I feel a lot more comfortable at tailback, but it’s all about winning,” White said.

“I’ll play whatever position helps us win.”

Harris is the more elusive runner, but Colorado held him to 31 yards in 15 carries Saturday. Lining up White with the 260-pound Norton would give the Bruins a 500-pound backfield, perhaps the most effective combination against a physical opponent.

“The elephant backfield,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “We’re hoping Norton gets healthier and plays better. J.D. is doing well for a true freshman, but it’s a learning process. The truth is, we’ve been in a bind at fullback.”

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Toledo had the starting defense face the second-string offense rather than the scout team during practice Tuesday to better simulate San Diego State’s high-powered passing attack.... The Bruins have fumbled five times but have recovered all five.... Cory Paus needs 331 yards passing to move past Tom Ramsey into No. 2 on the UCLA career list behind Cade McNown. Paus needs 16 completions to pass Tommy Maddox as No. 4 all-time.... Middle linebacker Dennis Link sprained an ankle and reserve tackle Alex Potasi suffered a sprained left knee at practice Tuesday.