NASHVILLE, Tenn. - LenDale White of Southern California fell from a potential first-round draft pick to the middle of the second round when the Tennessee Titans, and his former offensive coordinator Norm Chow, finally stopped his slide.

The “Thunder” to Reggie Bush’s “Lightning” at USC, White was seen as a top 15 pick until questions about his work ethic, his weight and a hamstring injury that prevented him from running the 40-yard dash before the draft. He dropped to the 45th pick overall Saturday.

Coach Jeff Fisher said there were published reports about a positive drug test at the NFL Combine.

“That is not correct,” he said. “We got the results from all the testing at the combine. The reports were false. We just feel considering the ability that he has and the production he has and the running style that he brings to this franchise, this was a player we could not pass up.”

Fisher tapped Chow’s knowledge of White, a junior who left USC early. Chow helped recruit White and vouched for him with the Titans.

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The 6-foot-1 White led the nation in scoring with 156 points last season with 24 rushing touchdowns. He ran 197 times for 1,302 times with a 6.6-yard average. He said in a conference call that his weight currently is 240.

He said he doesn’t understand all the questions about his character, saying he knows right from wrong. He also plans to prove doubters wrong.

“Right now I’m looking at a 31-team chip on my shoulder,” White said.