In a year when the Texas Longhorns were starved for offensive playmakers, wide receiver Darius White failed to make an impact. Last Tuesday, he finally confirmed rumors that he would be leaving the program. White had just five receptions for 66 yards on the season. White released a statement through the university:

I sat down and talked to my mother and family and came to the conclusion that I really just need a fresh start. Texas is a great school with great players and great coaches, but I just need somewhere I can get a new start. I've got great teammates - my wide receiver teammates, my teammates on offense and the whole team - and I'm still going to be rooting for them. All the coaches are great and taught me a lot. I learned a lot from coach [Bobby] Kennedy, coach [Darrell] Wyatt, coach [Bryan] Harsin, coach [Mack] Brown and all of the coaches. They all taught me how to be a better man. It's a difficult decision right now, but I'm just looking forward to making a difference at place with a new start.    

White entered the year primed to make an impact in his sophomore season, but apparently couldn't shake off speculation about his poor work ethic. His departure should not affect the Longhorns' offense much for their Holiday Bowl matchup up against the Cal Golden Bears. 

For more on the 2011 Holiday Bowl, head over to Longhorns blog Burnt Orange Nation and Bears blog Cal Golden Blogs.