Seahawks draft UNLV's Ricky White III; first Rebel selected in 15 years

UNLV wide receiver Ricky White III (11) catches the ball on the sideline against Boise State in the second half of the Mountain West Championship game Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. Photo by: Steve Conner / AP

Ricky White III became the first UNLV football player drafted into the NFL in 15 years when the Seattle Seahawks selected the standout wide receiver and special teams ace today in the seventh round at No. 238 overall.

White ended a drought dating back to 2010, when offensive lineman Joe Hawley was the last Rebel chosen in the draft, going to the Atlanta Falcons.

White is one of the program’s all-time greats. 

He ranks second in school history in both career receptions (218) and 100-yard games (13), while placing third in receiving yards (3,143) and touchdown catches (23). 

His special teams prowess earned him Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year honors after he led the nation with four blocked punts.

Additionally, two former UNLV players — linebacker Jackson Woodard (Seattle) and defensive back Jonathan Baldwin (Green Bay) — signed free agent contracts after going undrafted.