Pat White Still Hoping to Play Quarterback
Former West Virginia Star Still Looking to be Drafted at Quarterback
Mar 17, 2009
With the NFL Combine in their rear-view mirror, the 2009 draft class can do nothing more than sit back and wait to see where they are headed come April. Except of course for former West Virginia quarterback Pat White, who will spend his draft day waiting to see not only where he will be drafted, but at what position.
Despite a stellar college career that saw him lead the Mountaineers to 4 consecutive Bowl wins, the general consensus seems to be that White would be a better fit to play wide receiver in the NFL. "I don't think he's got much of a chance to play quarterback." Said scouts Inc.'s Steve Muench. "He still loses the strike zone too much. More importantly, he is vastly undersized for a quarterback." His former coach, Bill Stewart thinks differently, telling MSNSportsnet.com "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind this young man can play quarterback in the NFL." Differing opinions aside, White's athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect at either position.
The Case for Pat White, NFL Wide Receiver
For those who are projecting White as a wide receiver in the NFL, their first argument usually centers around his size. At 6'1", 190lbs, White could certainly be on the small side of NFL quarterbacks. With size comes durability issues. As a senior he sat out a game with an injury, and me missed parts of two games as a junior.
When he is on the field, some experts doubt his consistency. ESPN's Todd McShay, who observed White at the scouting combine had this to say. "His overall accuracy as a passer left much to be desired. McShay continued, the wise decision for White is to get involved as a receiver and punt returner going forward."
The Case for Pat White, NFL Quarterback:
Going strictly by the numbers, White did more than enough during his tenure as a Mountaineer to establish himself as an NFL quarterback. White leaves West Virginia with 4,480 rushing yards, the most for a quarterback in NCAA history, as well as being the only quarterback to lead his team to four Bowl wins.
During his senior season, White was asked to lead a more pro-style attack. He responded with a career best 21 TD's. culminating in a 332 yard, 3 touchdown performance in the Meineke Car Car Bowl.
If Pat White had his druthers, he would take the field on Sunday's the same way he did on Saturday's, under center. "My mindset is that I'm a quarterback." White told the Register Herald. "I'm going to be a quarterback until someone tells me I'm not anymore."
As his 34 victories under center (6th most in NCAA history) prove, the bottom line is that Pat White knows how to win, and that should serve him well in the NFL, whatever position he plays.
