1977 Profile: Sherman White

Defensive End
No. 83
California
"He's living proof you don't bad-mouth Paul Brown and get to smile about it. White complained about his lack of recognition in Cincinnati and blamed Brown's star-less system. He demanded a trade last year, so Brown exiled him to the cellar, where Buffalo roams.
The Bills surrendered a first round draft choice, one of the earliest picks in the entire draft, to get him. They paid too much. White had the fewest tackles of any starting Buffalo defensive lineman last year.
White has excellent quickness and could give the Bills the pass rush they need if he played up to his potential. An intelligent player, he has the knack for flashy plays.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, White didn't play high school football but was a unanimous All-American at the University of California. He was the second player taken in the 1972 draft."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"White came to the Bills from Cincinnati in exchange for a number one draft pick in July of 1976. He started and played in 13 games with the Bills last year at defensive right end; he missed the San Diego game with a back injury. White was credited with 23 unassisted tackles along with 11 assists and four quarterback sacks.
A four-year starter with the Bengals, Sherman was the second player picked in the 1972 college draft when Cincinnati made him their opening choice, following Buffalo's selection of Walt Patulski.
White was a consensus All-American at the University of California and lettered three years for the Golden Bears. Co-captain and MVP of the Bears, he would switch sides [on the line] to meet an opponent's strength. White played in the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.
A business administration major at California, he had participated in just two games of organized football prior to entering college. He was primarily a basketball player in high school.
Sherman has worked with Bay Area disadvantaged youth through his 'Pros of Oakland' organization, which he formed with several other professional athletes from the San Francisco vicinity."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Yearbook