White OK with Georgia backup status

Aron White entered the University of Georgia in 2007 as the No. 1 tight end in the nation, but he enters his senior season No. 2 on the Bulldogs' depth chart.

White made 12 starts as a redshirt sophomore two years ago, but he was passed up last season by current junior Orson Charles. As the Sept. 3 opener against Boise State approaches, Charles is being mentioned as the offense's top weapon, while White simply wants to contribute.

"I'm not mad about it at the end of the day," White said Tuesday. "I think I've had a good career here at Georgia. I would love to be the starter, but that's not how things turned out, and that's OK. Orson is one of the premier tight ends in the country, so you can't fault the coaches for giving him the nod.

"I just hope I don't get left by the wayside, which I don't feel like has happened or will happen this year."

The 6-foot-4, 239-pounder from Columbia, Mo., was rated by Rivals.com as the top tight end prospect in the 2007 class. White amassed 13 receptions for 198 yards and four touchdowns in '09, but he made just three starts last year and had nine catches for 125 yards and didn't score.

Off the field he scored in a big way, as White was chosen as the undergraduate commencement speaker last December and addressed 1,700 of his fellow classmates. He earned his degree in management and has begun his master's in sport management.

White would like to be an athletic director some day, but he wants first to give the NFL a try.

"I don't think I will be hindered by not being the starter," he said. "I think the NFL will recognize there is a lot of talent here at that position, including one who is very talented. The NFL comes and finds talent, not just people who have had careers. [Kansas City quarterback] Matt Cassel didn't get a lot of playing time at USC, but he's having a great career in the NFL.

"I would love to have some more film out there, but I don't see it being a problem for me as long as the right situation comes along."

Odds and ends

The Bulldogs worked out for an hour in shoulder pads and shorts Tuesday in preparation for today's simulated half against Boise State, which will be portrayed by the scout team. ... Coach Mark Richt said freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell (groin) should participate but that redshirt junior tailback Richard Samuel (strained quad) likely would not ... When asked to assess Crowell 10 days from the opener, Richt said, "He just hasn't experienced enough situations that come down the pipe." ... Also likely to sit today are fullback Bruce Figgins (hamstring) and reserve tailback Carlton Thomas (ankle).

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