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UC Davis' defense has played a key role in the team's success this season, especially in last weekend's Homecoming Game vs. Idaho State when Vincent White broke up an Idaho State pass in overtime, on fourth down. That play helped football receive its first top 10 national ranking — it enters Saturday's 4:05 p.m. road Battle for the Golden Horseshoe ranked No. 10, the highest in program history — and capture sole possession of first place.
 
The fact that White made that play surprised nobody because he has been the league's leader in pass breakups on a consistent basis throughout the last two seasons.
 
In this week's Inside the Huddle, White talks about his role on the team, what the locker room was like after last week's epic comeback, and his experience at UC Davis.
 
 
Take me through last weekend's victory-clinching play when you recorded the last of your Big Sky-era program-record four breakups.
 
"It was definitely a big play, I knew they would look my way because I guarded their best guy. I was focused on locking him down. Isiah Olave deserves credit on that play because they were initially going to throw to the corner on his side of the field, and he forced the quarterback to scramble because there was no place to pass the ball."
 
 
What was the energy like in the locker room after the game?
 
"It felt great, that was the best win this group enjoyed. That game showed how all the hard work everyone invested in the summer and preseason paid off because we were able to make plays needed to win in overtime."
 
 
As a senior who leads by example, how did you feel after the game knowing that you stepped up and made one clutch play after another all day long?
 
"It feels good to know they guys trust me and know that even when I stumble every now and then, I am able to push that play behind and focus on the next play. They know I won't let that play affect the next one, which helps them handle similar situations with the same amount of confidence."
 
 
The stats prove, not only this season but in previous seasons as well, that you are a lock-down defender since you have lead the conference in pass breakups. What is your secret for neutralizing top players from other teams?
 
"I do not think about all that, I just focus on doing my job each week. I am asked to be a lock-down cornerback, and that is what I focus on accomplishing each week at practice and in the game. Whoever is in front of me, I just focus on working hard and making situations as difficult as possible for that person."
 
"If my opponent makes a tough catch, credit goes to him. If I make that stop, break up or intercept a pass, then I am doing my job."
 
 
What has the energy been like throughout the week, knowing that the Battle for the Golden Horseshoe is approaching?
 
"We know it is Cal Poly week, but this team is approaching this as another game. We are watching film and working hard trying to reach our potential. At times, it is hard because they are our rivals. But when we take the field on Saturday, we are focused on facing another opponent and executing our game plan."
 
"Even the younger players are doing a great job focusing on things one week at a time. They are aware of the mistakes that are made in a game, and work hard the following week making those corrections."
 
 
Has it hit you yet that you are a senior, and this is your last season at UC Davis?
 
"I think about it all the time, and that is why I want to perform at the highest level possible knowing this is the last time I am facing this opponent."
 
"My teammates are my brothers, and some of the best friends I will make in my life. I can count on these guys the rest of my life."
 
 
What would tell student-athletes who are interested in continuing their playing career at the fifth-ranked public school in the nation?
 
"It is not easy, but definitely worth it in the long run. There are numerous people on this team who are going to make a major impact in the future, I know I am playing alongside future doctors and CEOs."
 
 

AGGIE EVO
Established during the 2017-18 academic year, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation.
 
Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
 
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ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.
 
The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.