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People SearchFind an individual who either played a sport or was a member of a support group. Search by last name by clicking on the first letter of the person's last name.
Mr. Melvin "MJ" White
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Home Phone: 979-388-3074 Football: White set to make first start + Injury Report Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • October 23, 2009 Melvin White’s appreciation for the little things in life certainly grew last year. White, a sophomore cornerback at UL, sat out last season while attempting to become academically eligible. That meant no practice and no games. He signed with the program out of Brazosport (Texas) High School in February 2008 but did not attain a high enough grade-point average and SAT score to play last fall. That made for some long days for White, who is expected to get his first college start Saturday against Florida Atlantic with Dwight Bentley (left ankle) dinged up. “I was crushed when I found out that I had to sit out,” White said. “I had to realize that I was just a normal student. I wasn’t even a football player. I was just a normal student going to school. It was tough.” White has played in all six games this season, recording three tackles and one pass breakup. The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder has great height for a corner but is still shaking off the rust from sitting out last year and adjusting to the college game. One lesson that White learned while sitting out was the importance of academics. He is eager to get more playing time, and it appears that he will likely start this weekend. “Getting a chance to start is exciting, especially after all the stuff I’ve gone through,” White said. “Actually I was just happy to put on a jersey and practice again.” Rodney Gillis, a redshirt freshman cornerback, shares a similar appreciation for football. The Florida native also signed with the Cajuns in 2008 and sat out last season as a redshirt before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during spring drills. After surgery and months of rehab, Gillis was cleared to practice and play this week. “I can’t even explain the excitement I’m feeling,” Gillis said. “I’m just glad that I’m back and able to play. Really I just want to keep my leg healthy so I can help my team.” Gillis was a three-year starter for one of the most storied prep programs in the country at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. As a senior he recorded 52 tackles, 14 pass breakups and five interceptions for the Class 5A state champions and was a first team all-Broward County selection by the Miami Herald and the (South Florida) Sun-Sentinel. He turned down offers from Iowa, Toledo and Central Michigan to sign with the Cajuns. His father, Roderick “Rocky” Gillis, played at Iowa State from 1978-82 and still holds the program’s career record for yards per carry (6.1). Injury report Defensive tackle LaQuincy Williams (knee) and tailback Undrea Sails (fractured leg) are listed as out. Sails underwent surgery on Wednesday and is out for the season. Linebacker Kyron Benoit (ankle) is doubtful. Cornerback Dwight Bentley (ankle), receiver Richie Falgout (ankle) and defensive end Chris Lanaux (leg) are all questionable. UL head coach Rickey Bustle told theadvertiser.com late Thursday night that Bentley will dress out after making considerable progress this week. Fullback Matt Desormeaux (knee), cornerback Rodney Gillis (knee), tight end Ladarius Green (ankle), safety Chris Richard (ankle) and defensive tackle Jordan Topp (knee, upgraded from out) are all probable.
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