James Hannah-White juggles academics and a full-time job, but the leading punt returns leader in NAIA hasn't taken his eye off the ball on the field either.

The St. Ambrose sophomore has averaged 26.5 yards on 10 returns this season, including a 70-yard return for a touchdown in the 18th-ranked Fighting Bees' 66-0 win over Waldorf last weekend.

"He has a special talent, but the biggest thing is that he makes good decisions," St. Ambrose coach Mike Magistrelli said. "So far, he's made the right decision on when to just catch the ball and and when to catch it and go."

Saturday, that process began before Hannah-White weaved his way through a collection of wannabe Waldorf tacklers and returned the ball to the end zone during the opening minutes of the third quarter.

It was what Hannah-White saw during an earlier 17-yard return that led to his lengthy run to the end zone.

"With the way things were set up during that return, I saw the way their guy on the outside came downfield and I saw (teammate) Colin Suiter blocking him. I knew that if I could get to the outside then that I would be able to score," he said. "The setup on punt I ran back was the same and once I got outside, I knew it was going to happen."

Hannah-White enjoys creating a spark whether he is lining up for a return or settling into his starting role at cornerback. He leads St. Ambrose with seven pass deflections but still is waiting for his first interception.

"I always find myself trying to make the big play, make something happen," Hannah-White said. "I'll get that interception. I just need to calm down a bit and let things happen."

Magistrelli expects that to come with experience.

"He plays a great defensive back and a lot of times he finds himself matched up with one of the other team's better receivers," Magistrelli said. "He's getting in the right position to pick the ball off. He just has to make the catch, and he will. He plays the game with a lot of electricity."

A criminal justice major from Lafayette, Ind., Hannah-White's day begins long before he hits the practice field.

In additional to carrying a full class load, he works weekdays from 6 to 11 a.m. and throughout the day on Sunday with the SUMMIT Program, a residential program for adolescent males housed at the Annie Wittenmyer complex in Davenport.

"I'm learning a lot through my experiences there," Hannah-White said. "In working with the kids I'm learning how to deal with different personalities as we talk with each other about having the self discipline it takes to make it through life without getting into trouble."

Hannah-White welcomes the challenges that exist in his career choice and on the field.

"That's always been who I am," he said. "I like to be tested."

That will happen again Saturday, when William Penn brings a pair of senior playmakers, quarterback Ryan Van Dalen and receiver Skyler Crouch, to Brady Street Stadium.

"They look good on film," Hannah-White said. "When you play defense, you want to go up against big-time players and make plays. We're looking forward to that challenge again this week."