FOXBORO — New Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith has coached a variety of big, powerful edge rushers over his career.

Pro Bowlers from Danielle Hunter to Z’Darius Smith, Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Rashan Gary.

Bigger rushers, it turns out, are Smith’s preference, which makes him so excited about turning his attention to Keion White

“I like big rushers. I like big, athletic rushers. And I think he fits that mold,” Smith told reporters Friday. “I think with guys like him … guys like that you can move across the (defensive) line, you can do different things with them. And I’m just really excited to put my hands on him. Love the way he plays.”

Last year, White got off to a sizzling start, notching four sacks in the Patriots’ first two games. Opposing coaches, including 49ers headman and offensive whiz Kyle Shanahan, began praising White for the destruction wrought in the backfield. But as the season progressed, the 6-foot-5, 285-pounder regressed as a pass rusher, which compounded his issues on run defense.

White eventually finished with five sacks, 16 QB hits and 56 tackles on the season. Amid his struggles, he began questioning his future with the team and the direction of the defense.

For now, it sounds like White and Smith, a longtime assistant with more coaching experience than Jerod Mayo and DeMarcus Covington had combined last year as the Patriots’ head coach and defensive coordinator, respectively, are off to a strong start.

“You can tell football means something to him when you talk to him. He’s a serious guy, man; mean as a rattlesnake,” Smith said. “I like that about him and, but he’s the type of guys — I like all I’ve had all different kinds of sizes and stuff. But he’s got a good, good future.”

If White does finally maximize his potential, he figures to form a formidable pass rush opposite new free-agent addition Harold Landry and alongside stud defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.