College Stars to NFL Long Shots; Pat White

College Stars to NFL Long Shots takes a look in depth at players who performed at a very high level in college, but who scouts are saying do not have the intangibles to shine at the next level.  We will look at their college accomplishments and reasons for or against them in the near future.

We will start this off with West Virginia University’s QB Pat White.

Pat White was a very successful player at West Virginia. He took over the startering QB role during his redshirt freshman season after coming in and anchoring a crazy comeback vs Louisville. That season he lead the Mountaineers to an undefeated Big East record and a 38-35 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

The years to come had an equal amount of success.  White went on to be the first and only quarterback to start and win 4 bowl games, two of them being BCS games (the second over Oklahoma 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl).  He is the all time leading rusher as a QB in NCAA history with 4,385 yards.  He had a phenomenal career and is obviously a playmaker.  He has speed, quickness and is stronger than he looks.

The negatives surrounding White are that he cannot be a quarterback at the next level and flat out he doesn’t have the size, accuracy, or arm strength.  At 6 ft 0 in and 190 lbs.  Saying that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a spot in the NFL, he is a playmaker and could return kicks and play some wide receiver or running back.  He is a crafty playr that can get into open space.

The biggest negative surrounding White recently has been his narrow mindedness.  During Senior Bowl preparations this week, he has not tried anything accept for quarterback.  He hasn’t tried returning punts or any other offensive position, and he hasn’t looked very good doing it.  I believe that this is happening because of his performance in his last collegiate game.  In the Meineke Car Care Bowl vs North Carolina he was 26-32 for 332 yds and 3 tds.  This was his first 300 yard passing game in college, but I believe this made him feel that he can play QB.

Final Word on White: I do think he will be drafted but probably not until very late (6th or later).  White is a playmaker but should be using his time in the senior bowl to try other positions, hopefully he performs well in the combine.