by Grand Rapid Press

He isn't guaranteeing a playoff appearance or forecasting a double-digit win total for the Lions like the team's former starting quarterback did in each of the past two years.

Instead, White is predicting a 10-sack season for himself -- provided he doesn't suffer the same sort of nagging injuries that plagued him in 2007 and '08. He has recorded 13 sacks in 26 games in two seasons with the Lions .

"I just want to have a full, healthy season," White said Thursday while participating in a free Football clinic at the Eric Fowler Sportsfest at Grand Valley State. "I really believe I will this year.

"My goal is 10-plus sacks. That's the main one that I always focus on," he added. "If I do that, it'll help the whole defense, and we'll win some games."

White, 29, was hobbled by a calf problem last season.

The 6-foot-2, 273-pound pass rusher put together an outstanding three-game stretch in the first half of last season before getting injured. He had a career-high 11 tackles (eight solo), a sack and a forced fumble Oct. 19 at Houston.

He struggled with a triceps injury during the 2007 season.

"I just want to stay on the field so I can do my part to help the team," he said.

White, entering the third year of a five-year deal, is confident the Lions can start to turn things around after the first 0-16 finish in NFL history.

"I see progress," he said of the Lions under the leadership of new coach Jim Schwartz. "Everything makes us better -- the new coaches, the (changes in the) front office, a lot of new players. I'm encouraged from the standpoint that they're making moves to help the team. Competition is good"

He and second-year pro Cliff Avril are slotted to compete for the starting right end position.

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