Gunner White Shines with Historic Touchdown for CNU Captains

Gunner White, a standout player for Christopher Newport University (CNU), recently solidified his legacy by scoring his 50th touchdown in a thrilling match against Salisbury. This pivotal 28-yard run not only secured a 45-42 victory for the Captains but also guaranteed their spot in the NCAA playoffs. Just three days before this remarkable achievement, White faced the grim possibility of ending his football career due to an injury sustained during a game against Montclair State.

From Injury to Triumph

White’s journey took a dramatic turn on November 1, 2023, when he experienced pain in his toe during the third quarter of the game against Montclair State. Initially suspected to be a fracture, White feared that his football career was nearing its end. “I had pretty much accepted that my career was over,” he recalled, reflecting on conversations with his family about his past achievements and the relationships formed during his time at CNU.

Fortunately, after meeting with head athletic trainer Robert Kearn the following day, an X-ray ruled out a break. An MRI later revealed a torn tendon, leading to a swift recovery plan that included taping and a cortisone shot. With the team’s game against Salisbury approaching, White was uncertain if he would be able to play. “I didn’t know I would be playing until that night,” he stated.

A Heroic Performance

In the game, White’s role was initially limited, but circumstances quickly changed when freshman back Drevyon Tharrington was injured early in the third quarter. With the Captains needing crucial plays, White stepped up. His performance was notable; he carried the ball four times for 44 yards, culminating in the decisive touchdown that extended CNU’s lead to 45-36 with just over six minutes remaining.

CNU head coach Paul Crowley praised White’s resilience. “He’s a tough, tough kid,” he remarked, highlighting White’s determination as he scored the winning touchdown despite concerns about his injury. CNU’s victory secured a first-round bye in the Division III playoffs, providing White with additional recovery time before their next match against Susquehanna.

White’s impressive statistics at CNU speak volumes. He leads the program with 50 touchdowns—39 rushing and 11 receiving—surpassing any player in the university’s 25-year history. In addition to his touchdown record, he ranks first in points scored (302), second in all-purpose yards (3,604), third in rushing yards (2,737), and fourth in yards per carry (5.04). Under his contribution, the Captains have achieved a remarkable record of 31 wins in 41 games, including two conference championships.

As CNU prepares for their next playoff game, White remains focused on his team rather than personal accolades. “Anyone that says they don’t care about leaving an impact would be lying,” he said. “But my biggest source of pride is being a part of this team.” With a perfect season record of 10-0, the Captains are poised for a strong playoff run, aiming to make history in their first home playoff game since 2006.

Fans can catch the action on ESPN+ and 99.1 FM as the Captains face Susquehanna this Saturday at noon. Following their impressive regular season, CNU is ranked sixth by d3football.com and is looking to silence any doubts about their ability to perform in the playoffs.