Willie Davis (Will) White is a former American college football player who was a free safety at the University of Florida for 4 seasons in the late 80's/early 90s. [1] He was recognized as an All-American. [2] White was selected by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 7th round (172nd overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft. [3]
Early years
White attended Amos P. Godby High School, where in his senior year in 1987 he led the Cougars to a Class 4A State Championship at quarterback. [1]
College career
White accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he played for coaches Galen Hall, Interim Coach Gary Darnell and Steve Spurrier's Gators from 1988 to 1992. [4] White tied a school record with three interceptions in a game versus Alabama in 1990. [5] White would end the 1990 season with 7 interceptions, [6] tying the UF single season record. [6] White was selected as a 1st Team All-American by the Football Writer's Associate of America [7] and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. [7] White earned 1st Team All-SEC accolades three straight seasons in 1990, [8] 1991, [9] and 1992. [10] White finished his career with a (then) school record 14 interceptions which still sits at #2(t) on the all-time list. [11]
In 2020, The Gainesville Sun writers ranked White #9 of the top ten Safeties to ever play for The University of Florida. [12]
Professional career
White was drafted 172nd overall in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals [13]
References
- ^ a b https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/12/02/ufs-white-left-to-wonder-if-hell-get-shot-at-bama/
- ^ "Football Writers All-America Team". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 27, 1990. p. 15. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "1993 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "Will White College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ "Florida 17, Alabama 13 - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ a b Will White College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits | College Football at Sports-Reference.com
- ^ a b https://www.tcdb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/307295/cid/18369442/ Trio Named As Finalists For Thorpe (oklahoman.com)
- ^ "Florida, Alabama, Tennessee dominate All-SEC team - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "Gadsden Times - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "The Tuscaloosa News - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ CB WEARY BREAKS FLORIDA RECORD WITH 15 INTERCEPTIONS – Sun Sentinel (sun-sentinel.com)
- ^ https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/college/football/2020/04/02/florida-football-top-10-gators-safeties/5107113002//
- ^ "1993 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.