White Goes No. 7 to Chicago
April 30, 2015 09:18 PM | General
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Wide receiver Kevin White became West Virginia University’s 11th football player taken in the first round of the NFL draft tonight when he was picked No. 7 overall by the Chicago Bears at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
This year marks the first time since 1963 that the NFL draft is being held in the Windy City and Bears fans in attendance this evening cheered when White’s name was called.
“And the Bears have just won the Super Bowl,” joked ESPN announcer Chris Berman. “Listen to this crowd. I guess that’s who the fans wanted.”
“I’ve been through so much and I’ve been wanting this my whole life and I;m finally here and I’m ready to turn this city around,” said White.
White, a Plainfield, N.J., resident, caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior for the Mountaineers to earn first team All-America honors by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Sporting News, and CBSSports.
He also was named second team All-America by Associated Press, USA Today, Walter Camp and SI.com.
White was one of college football’s most improved players in 2014 after nearly quadrupling his 2013 production when he caught 35 passes for 507 yards and five touchdowns. His 2014 season was among the best in school history, ranking No. 2 in receiving yardage and No. 3 in receptions.
“The thing I like about this pick is he’s consistent,” said ESPN NFL analyst Jon Gruden. “He rips everybody from the start of the season until the end.”
He was the first player in college football last season to eclipse 1,000 yards and started the season with seven consecutive 100-yard receiving games. White had nine catches for 143 yards in the season opener against Alabama and produced a career-high 216 yards on 13 catches in week three at Maryland.
His other big-time performances came in 2014 against Oklahoma (10 catches for 173 yards), Texas Tech (13 catches for 123 yards), Texas (16 catches for 132 yards) and Texas A&M (seven catches for 129 yards).
“Coming into this year you were waiting to see Kevin White emerge,” said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “He goes from 35 to 109 catches with 10 touchdowns. He was on fire early with 10 catches against Oklahoma, nine catches against Alabama and 13 against Maryland.”
White was considered a top NFL prospect before the NFL Combine, but he improved his status when he ran one of the fastest 40-yard dash times there with a 4.35 clocking.
“I’m a great guy, I’m humble and I’m ready to work,” White told Chicago fans.
White becomes Coach Dana Holgorsen’s third first-rounder since he took over the Mountaineer coaching reins in 2011, joining wide receiver Tavon Austin (2013) and defensive end Bruce Irvin (2012).
West Virginia’s other first-rounders include: Adam Jones (2005), Anthony Becht (2000), Renaldo Turnbull (1990), Brian Jozwiak (1986), Dick Leftridge (1966), Chuck Howley (1958), Joe Marconi (1956) and Joe Stydahar (1936).
Three of the Mountaineers' 11 first rounders have been picked by the Bears: Stydahar, Howley and now White.
"This is a great night for not only Kevin but for the West Virginia football program," said Holgorsen. "Kevin has worked extremely hard and dedicated himself to become one of the best receivers in the country. I am happy for Kevin and want to congratulate him and his family and wish him luck with the Chicago Bears."
The NFL draft continues through Saturday.
Gold-Blue Spring Festival Fan Recap
Sunday, April 19
John Neider | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Zac Alley | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 18
Saturday, April 18
