How UNLV Star Ricky White III Will Impact Seattle Seahawks Offense & Special Teams

UNLV standout Ricky White III is earning praise from Seahawks coaches for his dynamic impact on both offense and special teams after becoming the Rebels’ first NFL Draft pick since 2010.

UNLV Rebels wide receiver Ricky White III (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of Utah State Aggies cornerback Avante Dickerson (17) in the first half at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Back in April, wide receiver Ricky White III became the first UNLV Rebels football player drafted since 2010 when the Seattle Seahawks selected him 238th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the 238th pick, we've selected WR Ricky White III!@unlvfootball | @lumentechco pic.twitter.com/xZK6FZS4MF

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2025

We have since heard nothing but positive reports about White III coming out of Seattle. Coaches have raved about his versatility, maturity, and ability both on offense and special teams. His ability to impact the game on both offense and special teams is what made him such a special prospect because he brings so much to the table in both areas. 

How Ricky White III Impacts Offense

White III has been a highly productive wide receiver with the Rebels over the past two seasons. In those two years, he totaled 167 receptions for 2,624 yards and 19 TDs. This was enough to earn him First-Team All-Mountain West honors. On the next level, he projects as a slot receiver who has proven to be able to impact the game on all three levels. His ability to beat zone defenses on both short and medium routes, combined with his talent for tracking deep balls over his shoulder, makes him a dangerous weapon. We have also seen him cause problems for opposing defenses when the quarterback can get him the ball in space. While he lacks the strength to break many tackles, he's elusive enough to make defenders miss. 

How Ricky White III Impacts Special Teams

You can make a case that White III is one of the best special-teams players in the entire country last year. He earned Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2025. Not only can he have an impact as a returner, but he is an elite punt blocker and can serve as a gunner on kickoffs and punts. There isn't an area of the special teams that he isn't a difference maker on. A team can use him to block punts, block field goals, and return kicks and punts. Whether you are trying to make a play or stop your opposition from making a play, White III is the guy you want on your team to make a game-changing play.  

𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍 - 𝙍𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙄𝙄𝙄 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XPnXqchwTE

— Mountain West (@MountainWest) December 3, 2024