April 23, 2008
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico football team is nearly through spring workouts and new assistant coach Tony White has steadily been developing a solid group of linebackers. White, who was hired over the winter, brings excitement and experience to the coaching staff.
White inherits a linebacker crew that needs to fill four spots. The El Paso, Texas native, has veterans Zach Arnett and Herbert Felder back along with a list of hopefuls.
The road for White to get to New Mexico has been full of opportunities. White was recruited out of El Paso to play linebacker at UCLA by Long. He developed into a three-year starter and a four-year letterman at outside linebacker for the Bruins.
His accomplishments and style of play led him to a professional career in the Canadian Football League. While in the CFL, White played four-years for three different teams including the Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Renegades and the Hamilton Tiger-cats in 2005.
White left the professional ranks following the 2005 season and began his coaching career. After years of experiences on the gridiron, White became a high school head coach for a season in California. Although St. Genevieve High School had success under White, he was called back to UCLA to pursue a graduate degree.
The former UCLA standout was back at his alma mater working in football operations and assisting with the day-to-day operations. During the 2007 season, White was back in the Pac-10 and setting the stage for his move to New Mexico.
Following the season, White made that jump joining Rocky Long and Troy Reffett at UNM. White has a lot of work ahead but will enter his first season as a full-time assistant this fall in the Cherry and Silver.