Prior to the Raiders coming to town from Oakland in 2020, Las Vegas was never known as a major football market.
The UNLV Rebels were the only show in town when it came to football in Sin City, and there was precious little to be excited about. Just last season, the team participated in bowl games in consecutive years for the first time in program history. UNLV has not had a player selected in the NFL Draft since 2010, and their victory over California in the LA Bowl was the program’s first bowl win since 2000.
However, recent success has turned the program quickly into one of the most prominent teams in the Group of Five. Very few players have exemplified UNLV’s meteoric rise up the ranks more than wide receiver Ricky White III.
Since transferring from Michigan State in 2022, White instantly became the top receiver UNLV had to offer. He put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors in both years. White also won Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year in 2024 by blocking a school-record four punts, endearing himself to NFL scouts in the process.
White, along with linebacker Jackson Woodard, stands the best chance of ending UNLV’s 15-year drought in the draft.
How did White do at his Pro Day?
While the stats are all there, a 4.61 second 40-yard dash time at the Combine raised some eyebrows.
White quickly dispelled any concerns at UNLV’s Pro Day, however, running a 4.44 second 40-yard dash this time around. This showing was much more in line with what scouts and fans have seen from White throughout his years in Las Vegas. There are still some technical matters to handle, but White has the profile to suggest he warrants a Day Three selection.
As for where White begins his NFL career, he mentioned how fitting it would be to stay in Las Vegas and play with the Raiders.
“I love this city so much,” White told reporters during his Pro Day media availability. “I would love to come back here and be a Raider.”
“I would love to come back here and be a Raider.”
UNLV WR Ricky White III echoes LB Jackson Woodard in desiring to continue playing in Las Vegas, citing love for ‘the city, the community.’
The Rebel stars can become UNLV’s first NFL Draft selections since 2010 next month. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/DulyS6L9XL
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) March 24, 2025
While White would be ecstatic to land with any NFL team, the Raiders would love to keep the talented receiver in their own backyard.
