UNLV’s Ricky White III has emerged as one of the most exciting wide receivers in the nation since 2023 and is set to enter the NFL next year. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of UNLV WR Ricky White III
Measurables:
- 6’1
- 190 lbs
Player Background:
From Marietta, Georgia, Ricky White III was a three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class and committed to Michigan State. He hauled 10 passes for 223 yards in four games during his freshman campaign before an injury ended it early. White III didn’t play in any of the team’s games in 2021, redshirted, and entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. After transferring to UNLV, he was the team’s top receiver in 2022. He posted consistent numbers and finished the season with 619 yards and four touchdowns on 51 grabs. The 2023 season was his true breakout, accumulating 1,483 yards and 8 touchdowns; breaking UNLV’s single-season receiving yards record. White III has also showcased Special Teams prowess, blocking three punts by himself through seven games in 2024.
Accolades:
- Big 10 Co-Freshman of the Week (2020)
- Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week (2023)
- First Team All-Mountain West (2023)
- Third Team AP All-American (2023)
- Shrine Bowl Offensive Breakout Player of the Week (2024)
- Preseason AP All American (2024)
- Preseason All-Mountain West Team (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
White III is at his best when he’s either moving vertically or has the ball in his hands. He gains both leverage and momentum fluidly with polished footwork off vertical breaks and gets open early and often. His smoothness also comes through on curls/hitches/comebacks and transitions between movements well.
His hand technique also aids his shortcomings in horizontal action and whips past tight coverage skillfully. His biggest skill in the receiving game is his mental nuance. He knows where zones open up and both sit down and effectively create an open space. That skill extends to longer plays, with White III having advanced knowledge of QB movement and how to open up areas of the field.
After the catch, he is a straight nightmare to bring down. He transitions from receiver to ball carrier flawlessly and shows rare twitchiness with purposeful movements. He bends well to avoid downfield contact, but he’s constantly moving forward even through tackles. Beyond offensively, he wreaks havoc on special teams. He has an uncanny ability to block punts and his vertical proficiency profiles well as either a returner or gunner.
Weaknesses/Cons:
The majority of White III’s weaknesses stem from his extremely slim frame and tendency to play even lighter. On run plays he often fails to sell it as a pass with slow getoffs and fading into blocking assignments. His weight makes him a generally ineffective blocker with little relative force able to be applied. His unimpressive anchor also leads to him getting outmuscled often and generally missing blocks.
In the receiving game, his breaks off the line could be heavily improved with a hitch that prevents him from generating initial momentum that is consistently visible. He also experiences horizontal struggles in his movement on routes. His crossfield cuts are too rounded and his hips are too rigid and stiff when rotating.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Ricky White III’s NFL ceiling is likely that of a rotational wideout on a motion-heavy offense. Getting him moving both pre-snap and immediately post-snap gives him a heavy advantage over defenders and could create big plays. His versatility and experience at all three WR spots will allow him to be effective in several situations, but his size and horizontal movement deficiencies will restrain him from developing into a high-end weapon. No matter how his development goes as a WR, however, his elite playmaking ability on special teams should keep him on a roster for many years.
Prospect Grade:
- Mid-Late 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Syracuse
- 2024 vs. Houston
- 2023 vs. Wyoming
- 2023 vs. Vanderbilt
Main Phot0: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
