Dewayne White

The War Room: Dewayne White, DE, Louisville Return to HoustonProFootball.com Archives

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Defensive End
Dewayne White
College:
Louisville
Year: Junior
Height: 6’3"
Weight: 277
Birthday: October 19, 1979

Strengths: Dewayne White is a one-man wrecking crew. Last year, 73 of his 86 tackles (including 23 of his school record 24 tackles behind the line of scrimmage) were solo stops. Additionally, White led the nation with 15 sacks, bringing his total the past two seasons to 27; the most by any player during that time period.

Though he was just a sophomore last year, White emerged as the leader on a very good defensive unit that helped Louisville to a conference title and Liberty Bowl victory. A good deal of White’s leadership skills were forged at an early age, when he was forced to support his family after his father was paralyzed. Several years later, he lost his mother to cancer. White is a grounded, mature individual with loads of character.

On the field, White is quiet, but deadly, a tough kid who has a knack for finding the QB and putting him on his back. "’If the other team’s quarterback is still in the game when it’s over, I’m not happy."

Last year, he recorded 3 sacks and didn’t miss a game after breaking his hand. He’s quick, intense and will be a fixture atop many draft boards this year.

Areas for Concern: A running back in college, White is still learning the defensive end position and needs to improve his decision-making on the field. Fortunately, this year’s Cardinal team, while talented, lacks experienced depth along the defensive line, so White should have ample opportunities to elevate his game. And when you consider all he’s accomplished to this point… his upside may very well be limitless.

Physically, White needs to add strength and speed to his game and some weight to his 277-pound frame (without sacrificing the strength or speed, of course). But these will likely be minor concerns; he has the skills scouts love and may very well be the best defensive line prospect in the country.

How Would He Look in Steel Blue? Really, really good. White’s the kind of player head coach Dom Capers would love; an intense prospect who loves to get after the quarterback.

He’s also a high character guy — Louisville coaches sing his praises. In 2000, after losing to Florida State, White took the loss personally and decided he wanted the Cards’ defense to be as good as the Seminoles’. Sure enough, two years later, Louisville has one of the nation’s best defenses and White is their unquestioned leader.

A good kid with a big upside, White could be a first round pick if he comes out this year.

(profile written by Ric Sweeney)

Dewayne White’s 2001 Stats G TCK TFL SKS FF FR INT 12 86 23 15 1 1 0 Dewayne White Dewayne White The War Room Return to The War Room Prospect Profiles

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