UNLV star WR atones at school’s pro day for poor 40 time at combine
Former UNLV star wide receiver Ricky White needed a big day to enhance his NFL draft status when he set foot on familiar ground Monday.
After all the great moments he produced for the Rebels, was anyone surprised that he delivered?
White ran a consensus 4.44 40-yard dash at UNLV’s pro day at the Fertitta Football Complex. It was a dramatic improvement from the 4.61 he posted last month at the NFL scouting combine and likely resolidified his status as a day three draft prospect or priority undrafted free agent.
“This feels good,” White said after wrapping up his day with an on-field wide receiver workout. “It’s a blessing being in this position.”
Big day for UNLV
White was one of 14 former Rebels players who participated in the pro day, which drew representatives from all 32 teams for the first time in program history.
Joining him were linebacker Jackson Woodard, defensive linemen Anonio Doyle Jr. and Alexander Whitmore, defensive backs Johnathan Baldwin, Jarvis Ware, Jalen Dixon, Rashod Tanner and Cameron Oliver, quarterback Hajj-Malik Wiliams, tight end Kaleo Ballungay, running back Kylin James and offensive linemen Tiger Shanks and Mathyus Su’a.
The players participated in drills such as the vertical jump, long jump and bench press. They were also tested in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, pro-agility and 3-cone.
The day was particularly important for White, whose 40 time in Indianapolis — the second-slowest among wide receivers — raised eyebrows among NFL scouts. It didn’t diminish what he did on the field — he had 218 catches for 3,143 yards and 23 touchdowns, and was a special teams phenom in his three seasons at UNLV — but the time definitely needed to improve.
Did not blink after Indy
White said he wasn’t fazed by his 40 time in Indianapolis, focusing more on his positive showing in other areas of the combine, including his interviews with teams. But he knew what he needed to do, so when he returned to Las Vegas, he immediately began working with former UNLV track and field coach Larry Wade.
The key, White said, was focusing on fundamentals and efficiency.
“We just worked on the small details and technique,” he said. “Just putting it all together.”
The work paid off Monday as scouts watched again.
“A little bit of a relief,” White said.
The focus now is on continuing to work out and meet with teams so he is ready when he learns where he will be playing next season.
As good as he felt Monday, he knows there is plenty of work ahead.
“It’s not the end. I got to still continue to keep working,” White said. “And when I get that call, it’s full go.”
White said he doesn’t care who drafts him, that he is simply looking for an opportunity. But after calling Las Vegas home the past three years, he would not mind if he gets a call from the Raiders on draft weekend.
“I love this city so much,” White said. “I would love to come back here and be a Raider.”
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.
