The Bellagio water show isn’t anticipated to be the only thing that creates a mesmerizing splash in Las Vegas once the calendar reads September 2. That’s also the date when UNLV wide receiver Ricky White hits the field.
White has the potential to make his own splash as one of college football’s breakout performers of 2023. This year, he’s got an All-American producer in his corner, leaving us to say that it’s best to avoid sleeping on the Rebel this fall as astronomical numbers and conference accolades should be on the horizon in Vegas.
Ricky White is the Now For UNLV
Few wide receivers out in Mountain West country can say they have an All-American producer in the Power Five realm as their offensive coordinator. White is getting just that with Brennan Marion, UNLV’s newest OC.
He’s the same Marion who helped ignite Jordan Addison and his epic 2021 season at the University of Pittsburgh, culminating in Addison becoming Pitt’s first All-American wideout since the days of Larry Fitzgerald in 2003.
Marion didn’t stop with the 2023 top 25 draft pick Addison. During his time in Austin at the University of Texas, Xavier Worthy had a personal-best streak of scoring a touchdown in six consecutive games with Marion as the passing game coordinator in 2022. Worthy ended his season by earning All-Conference honors in the stacked Big 12 field.
Marion will already feel relatable to White as he was a collegiate receiver himself at the University of Tulsa before embarking on a pro career with the Miami Dolphins.
‘Go-Go’ is Perfect for White to Thrive
To best describe what White is now walking into, he’s heading into one of the more exotic but explosive offenses in the nation known as the “Go-Go” offense.
To further articulate this offense, think of a throwback Triple Option scheme mixed with spread 3-wide receiver looks. Or, in a more succinct description, as Marion told Joe Arrigo of Franchise Sports Media on Friday, it’s “violent and vertical.”
While Marion employs a multiple-back look, with the running backs often positioned on the left or right of the quarterback, it’s still an offense that creates one-on-one battles for the wideouts. Addison’s touchdowns at Pitt showcased him drawing just one defender, whether it was a safety or nickelback covering him.
Marion has likely already witnessed White’s capabilities when facing a single defender. This bomb from the 2022 season opener against Idaho State exemplifies White and UNLV taking advantage of the solo coverage without any safety help. Additionally, White displays his determination after the catch on this red zone catch-and-run against North Texas, which is considered a wrinkle from Marion’s “Go-Go” system.
The kicker is this: Addison and Worthy, both under 6’2″, dominated under Marion. White, who already has a similar build at 6’1″ and 195 pounds, shares this trait. Here’s another coincidence: Before Marion’s arrival in Steel City, Addison caught just four touchdown passes in 2020. With Marion, he soared to 17 trips to the end zone. Similarly, White had four touchdowns last season prior to the OC change.
White’s Illustrious Recruitment Indicates His Potential Pro Talent
White was once a strong out-of-state pickup for Michigan State and its 2020 recruiting class. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, the three-star prospect ranked as the nation’s No. 70 overall WR for his class according to 247Sports.
Despite his high recruitment, receiving offers from 31 universities, including future CFB Playoff qualifier Cincinnati, White had the opportunity to link up with Marion even before UNLV, as Pitt was one of his offers.
After transferring to UNLV, White showed early glimpses of stardom prior to Marion’s arrival. Now, signs point to Marion helping elevate White to the status of a new collegiate star attraction in a city that is known for attracting stars. Marion has already proven his ability to thrive with wideouts of White’s caliber.
Moreover, White has the potential to end a lengthy dry spell and rewrite a longstanding narrative in Sin City when it comes to the pro ranks.
The Rebels have not produced an NFL Draft pick at wide receiver since Henry Bailey in 1995. Additionally, the program hasn’t had a draft prospect since 2010 when center Joe Hawley was selected in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons. This amounts to a 13-year dry spell for the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program.
However, as CFN’s No. 2 wide receiver in the Mountain West Conference for the 2023 season, White presents the best chance to finally break that streak. And now, with a man who knows how to produce explosive wideouts in his corner, there’s a new Vegas show to watch for this season.
Ricky White Player Profile
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 195
- Number: 11
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Marietta, GA
- High School: Marietta
- Years Active: 2020-2023
- Previous School(s): Michigan State
- Draft Eligibility: 2024
Ricky White’s Career Receiving Stats
- Career Receptions: 61
- Career Receiving Yards: 842
- Career Receiving Touchdowns: 5
- Yards Per Catch: 13.8
- Yards Per Game: 59.1
