Content provided by UNLV Athletics
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – All-American wide receiver Ricky White III became the first UNLV player to earn a Mountain West Player of the Week honor in more than one category during his career when he was named the league’s Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday.
White, who was tabbed MW Offensive Player of the Week during his record-setting receiving campaign on Nov. 6, 2023, earned the nod this time for his work on the Rebels’ punt return unit vs. Syracuse on Friday at Allegiant Stadium. In the first half, the senior broke through the line to force an abandoned punt attempt that resulted in a loss of 13 yards and a turnover on downs, which UNLV quickly converted into a touchdown. In the second half, White blocked an Orange punt attempt and saw the ball travel backward more than 40 yards into the end zone where it was recovered for a game-tying touchdown by linebacker Charles Correa.
White, who also blocked a punt vs. Utah Tech last month and recovered another blocked punt last week vs. Fresno State, is the first Rebel to get a hand on two in the same season since running back Ronnie Smith did it in 2006.
White’s special teams efforts were in addition to offensive numbers of 10 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. He becomes just the second UNLV winner of the MW special teams award who was not a punter, kicker or kick returner, joining tight end Greg Estandia who won the award in 2003 after blocking a field goal in a home win over Toledo.
White and the Rebels will play the next two games on the road, starting with a trip to Utah State this Friday. Their next home appearance will be a Homecoming clash with Boise State on Oct. 25 at Allegiant Stadium. Tickets are on sale now by visiting unlvtickets.com.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.
