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"I don't back down from challenges," said White, who also plans to run track for the Scarlet Knights. "Any challenges. That's who I am."

You saw a little of that side of White during his senior season as he immersed himself in the role of offensive focal point for an NNJIL school. The buzz on the opposition sideline every game was about stopping White, and while his 1,436 yards and 16 touchdowns were All-Bergen worthy, they were a sizable notch down from the 2,386 yards and 26 touchdowns he posted as a junior.

So what does White have to do to take that next step and become Rice's legitimate heir? Well, for openers, he has to keep packing meat and muscle on his 5-foot-10 frame.

White has been working with a trainer in Rockland County, N.Y, and said he's up to 171 pounds, a gain of about 7 pounds since the end of the season. He probably has close to another 20 pounds to go before he's at his most effective playing weight.

"I'm working hard," said White, who wants to major in sports management.

But the real work begins this morning when White's courtship with Rutgers becomes a full-fledged commitment. Schools such as Tennessee, North Carolina and Massachusetts pursued him with various degrees of vigor even after he verbally committed to Rutgers, and former Teaneck coach Dennis Heck said that White "dabbled" with his other suitors.

The other schools flirted with him. White flirted back a little.

But Rutgers always had his heart, even before Rice decided to create a major job opening.

"When I sign [the letter of intent], at that moment, it will show me that all my hard work has paid off," White said. "All the two-a-days. Getting banged up all season. This is what it was for.

"And, it's going to make my Ma proud."