This week, UNLV football is making its presence felt in Indianapolis at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Wide receiver Ricky White III and linebacker Jackson Woodard have a huge opportunity to showcase their athleticism, meet with teams, and boost their draft stock on boards across the league.
It’s been a long since a Rebel heard their name called on draft day. Joe Hawley was the last UNLV player selected, going in the fourth round to the Atlanta Falcons in 2010.
White III and Woodard are looking to change that. White became the first player in program history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. At the same time, Woodard dominated on defense as the 2024 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, racking up 135 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions.
UNLV Football: Standouts looking to shine at NFL Combine
Ricky White III, Wide Receiver
Ricky White III forever put his name in the history books for UNLV football after a very successful three years in Las Vegas. He posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and White III led the entire nation in blocked punts, recording four in 2024.
The ability to serve as the go-to target on offense and then turn around to make game-changing plays on special teams speaks volumes about White III’s versatility. During the 2024 season, he also put together one of the more dominant two-game performances in the entire Mountain West Conference, as against Fresno State and Syracuse, he hauled in a combined 20 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1, White III combines explosive acceleration and elusiveness with the toughness to work the middle of the field. His willingness to contribute on special teams, whether returning punts (including a touchdown on one of his four attempts) or blowing past blockers to disrupt kicks, makes him an intriguing mid-to-late-round prospect for NFL teams.
All eyes will be on White III’s 40-yard dash time this Saturday at the combine as scouts look to see if his quick first step translates to the next level. Along with testing in the three-cone drill, shuttle, and running the gauntlet, his measurables will be stacked against some of the best talents in the draft class.
Here is a fun clip from Ricky White @Only1RW . He’s built with a solid frame, blazing top end speed and the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands.
Watch him rise this draft season!#2025NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/EhXmTuY84r
— Newt Westen (@NFLDraft_Westen) January 22, 2025
Jackson Woodard, Linebacker
Reading through Jackson Woodard’s 2024 season of accomplishments and stats feels like trying to catch your breath; he did it all. A true stat-sheet stuffer and sideline-to-sideline playmaker, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year is on the radar of NFL teams heading into the combine.
Woodard wasted no time setting the tone for a monster season. In UNLV’s season-opening win over Houston, he racked up 11 solo tackles and three sacks, making an immediate impact. In another dominant performance this season came against Utah State, where he totaled 12 solo tackles and snagged two interceptions.
His ability to make plays by dropping into coverage and being a sure tackler jumps off the tape. Woodard’s high-energy, hard-nosed approach was the backbone of the UNLV defense in 2024.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Woodard may not fit the mold of a prototypical every-down NFL linebacker, but his resume speaks for itself. With a strong showing in combine drills, interviews, and testing, he has a real chance to raise his stock in Indianapolis.
And who knows? He might not have to go far to find his NFL home. Woodard has already met with the Las Vegas Raiders in the pre-draft process, and while there’s still a long road to draft day, that would be an incredible full-circle moment.
UNLV LB Jackson Woodard is a springy & slippery defender whose instincts & linear speed allow him to make plays all over the field!
Woodard is a 3 down player who displays recognition & anticipation in his run fits & coverage drops! He adds value as a blitzer & displays smooth… pic.twitter.com/lJC8nU65EL
— Noah K.M. Chang (@NoahKMChang) January 17, 2025
Draft Day Hopes
It has been 15 years since UNLV had a representative selected in the NFL Draft. After fantastic seasons from Ricky White III and Jackson Woodard, they hope to change that and get a phone call that will forever change their lives.
The draft process has truly begun, and you can see Jackson Woodard workout at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, February 27th, at 3 p.m. EST, and Ricky White III on Saturday, March 1st, at 1 p.m. EST, both on the NFL Network.
