National Football League

Colts WR Blair White making most of opportunities

Published Oct. 26, 2010 4:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

Blair White tends to take advantage of his opportunities.

White was a walk-on at Michigan State, worked his way up the depth chart and had 70 catches for nearly 1,000 yards as a senior. He went undrafted and began this season on the Colts' practice squad, then was promoted and scored a touchdown in his Week 3 debut against Denver.

He's in a position to gain more playing time because the Colts have a long list of injuries at receiver heading into a key game next Monday night against Houston. Tight end Dallas Clark was lost for the season to a wrist injury, Austin Collie is out indefinitely because of a hurt thumb, and Anthony Gonzalez is recovering from a high ankle sprain.

''I've been going into the practice with the mindset that I'm going to play, I'm going to start,'' White said Monday. ''If it happens, then I'm ready for it.''

He caught three passes for 27 yards against Denver, a performance that helped coach Jim Caldwell gain confidence in him.

''I think the best thing to look at is just past history,'' Caldwell said. ''He had an opportunity to play in the Denver game and played a fairly significant amount. I think he was able to go in and show that he is capable, and he's gotten better since that time.''

White felt confident after his offseason work with quarterback Peyton Manning.

''It's pretty easy to get a feel for him because he puts the ball wherever he wants to,'' White said.

White caught seven passes for 132 yards in his final preseason game against Cincinnati, but still wasn't sure if he'd make the team. He knew that even some friends and family weren't convinced he'd make it.

''When you have a setback, or you have people that don't think you do it, you push that much harder to get through it, and it helps you in the long run,'' White said.

Now, he feels prepared because he has put in the work.

''I think it's important to be in the right spot at the right time and know what you're doing,'' he said. ''I kind of pride myself in that. That's the first step in getting out there and playing is knowing what to do and being able to adjust on the run.''

Other Colts receivers have helped him become familiar with the team's complicated offense. Veteran Reggie Wayne has been particularly helpful.

''If I'm having trouble with something, he's going to be the first guy over there telling me you've got to do this or this to help me out. It's really encouraging when you know you have someone that experienced helping you out.''