:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66710137/1175480281.jpg.0.jpg)
Javin White did not hear his name called during the NFL Draft, but he did sign as an undrafted free agent and he will not have to move far for his chance at play in the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders have signed White to a free agent contract shortly after the draft ended.
UNLV's Javin White to the @Raiders as an UDFA https://t.co/QN6jWIgUK0
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) April 25, 2020
Congrats to former @unlvfootball player Javin White for signing with the Raiders‼️ #Stayinghome #BEaREBEL pic.twitter.com/WY1G56F68j
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) April 25, 2020
The 6-foot-3 linebacker/defensive back has played multiple positions in his time at UNLV. He has spent time as a linebacker, playing at safety and even at cornerback. White finished off his senior year with 79 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
What drew the Raiders towards White was his athleticism and ability to play multiple positions. He has the size and athleticism to be a valuable piece for the Raiders on the field. His time playing multiple positions has helped him develop skills as a ball hawk, being able to know where the ball is and breaking up passes, and getting some interceptions from time to time.
Here is what Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock had to say about White:
"...Who? And in the fifth round?
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) April 25, 2020
Look, Mayock and Gruden love versatility, and while this is not the Los Angeles Raiders staying local with USC's Marcus Allen in 1982, why not have the Las Vegas Raiders take a shot on a UNLV standout? Yes, even in the fifth round...(more)"
"...After all, we're talking outside the box, right?"
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) April 25, 2020
His outstanding play as a Rebel earned him being named to UNLV Football’s All-Decade Team as a linebacker. White is ranks sixth in school history in interceptions and third in forced fumbles.
Spoke with Javin White. The @Raiders are looking at him as a linebacker. He also can play DB. Details of the agreement are still being finalized.#UNLVfb
— Mark Anderson (@markanderson65) April 25, 2020
UNLV LB/S Javin White has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders.
— Tyler Bischoff (@Bischoff_Tyler) April 26, 2020
White’s last three seasons
9 interceptions
6 forced fumbles
15 pass break ups
3.5 sacks
White last played in the NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl at the Rose Bowl earlier this year in January. In his final game with the Rebels, White 11 tackles, and a sack in Reno against the Wolf Pack to keep the Fremont Cannon in Las Vegas.
Even though White will have a chance to make an NFL roster, the long drought of Rebels not being taken in the draft continues. It has been 10 years since a UNLV player was taken in the NLF Draft, offensive linemen Joe Hawley was drafted 117th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2010 draft.