Published: November 05, 2009 09:20 pm      

Rice’s Keith White at head of his class

Senior in battle for valedictorian as season ends

RICE — Rice center and middle linebacker Keith White goes out every Friday night trying to win his individual battle with the player opposing him.

It doesn’t stop for him during the week.

White is in a fight for valedictorian of Rice senior class. Like the Bulldogs’ defense will have to take on Mildred running back Payton Weaver on Friday night, White is in a competition — a friendly one — with classmate Karissa Bunch.

“I’ve had to work at it,” White said. “She’s made it hard. My main goal is finishing No. 1. She’s made it a challenge.

White has been a straight-A student throughout school, except for making a “B” in fifth grade science. At the time it really didn’t bother him.

“If it happened now it would,” he said.

White, who is planning on attending Texas A&M, has always played on the offensive line. This is his first year on defense — he was thrust into playing middle linebacker because of injuries.

It’s, of course, no coincidence that White plays the two positions his plays, both involved calling signals and making sure his teammates know the formation and their assignments.

“He’s the perfect guy for both spots because he’s so smart,” Rice coach David Currey said. “He’s made the switch to middle linebacker very efficiently. He knows what is going on.”

White uses his intelligence to offset his size disadvantage. White, who is 170 pounds, said on most Friday nights he is giving up 50 pounds to his opponent.

“I just have to use technique,” White said. “It’s all about knowing how to beat somebody.”

Which comes back to the battle for valedictorian. White isn’t only competing against Bunch.

He would become the third sibling in his family to be the valedictorian. His brother Clint finished No. 1 in his class at Rice in 2001. His sister Kayla was the valedictorian at Rice in 2004.

To make it three No. 1s from the same family would be a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for their parents, Curtis and Ronda Walling.

“That’s what makes we want to do it the most,” White said.

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Keith White

Senior, Rice

Favorite college football team: Texas

Favorite NFL team: Cowboys

Favorite football player: Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys

Favorite hobby: Hunting/Fishing

Favorite pre-game meal: Jack in the Box hamburger

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