Former FIU offensive lineman Kenneth White passed away late Thursday from cancer. White was 26.

A member of the FIU football team from 2008-11, White was an integral part of the FIU team that won the 2010 Sun Belt Conference championship and Little Caesars Pizza Bowl against Toledo in Detroit.

White came to FIU from Miami Norland High where he was a 6A All-State offensive tackle, who also played on the defensive line.

At FIU, White played guard and backed up at center during FIU's championship season and the following year in 2011 when the Panthers won a program-record eight games and appeared in their second consecutive bowl game.

But White was more than just a solid player on the field, he was a true friend and compassionate individual away from the gridiron.

"When Kenny arrived at FIU he was a quiet, nice kid," said Brad Serini, former FIU center and White's teammate. "When you are part of the offensive line you have a different connection than other position groups. Kenny was such a nice, genuine human being that cared about everyone and was happy for other people's successes. If anyone needed a pick me up Kenny was always there for encouragement. If you need to see how many people Kenny influenced just look at Facebook and the amount of people posting about Kenny. This is such a shock to lose Kenny at this young of an age. It's stinks for it to happen to such a great person."