Oklahoma State University Athletics
Reggie White Declares For NFL Draft
April 07, 2003 | Cowboy Football
White, 5-11, 225 from Liberty, Texas, led the Cowboys and was fourth in the Big 12 with 1,049 rushing yards in 2000. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 95.36 per game and was one of just four Big 12 running backs to rush for 1,000 or more yards.
"This has been a very difficult decision," White said. "I feel, however, this is a tremendous opportunity and one that is in the best interest of me and my family."
White said he was appreciative for the opportunity to be at OSU. "I have enjoyed my four years at Oklahoma State. I want to thank my coaches, teammates and the fans who have been so supportive throughout my college career."
White came to OSU from Liberty High School in 1997. After a redshirt season in '97, he saw his first game action in 1998 and helped the Cowboys defeat Baylor in the season finale by scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes.
After sharing time at tailback in 1999, White went into the 2000 season as the Cowboys starting tailback. He responded with OSU's first 1,000-yard rushing season since 1996. During the 2000 season, White rushed for 100 or more yards six times, including a season and career-high 187 against Tulsa in the season opener.
He followed the season-opening performance with 130 yards and a touchdown against Southwest Texas and had 15 carries for 104 yards against Texas in Austin. His other 100-yard performances came against Missouri, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
White's 1,049 rushing yards in 2000 put him in elite company. He joined Iowa State's Ennis Haywood, Nebraska's Dan Alexander and Texas' Hodges Mitchell as the only Big 12 backs to rush for 1,000 or more yards. He was 33rd nationally in rushing and was selected to every postseason All-Big 12 team.
In high school, White was one of the top players in talent-rich Texas. He rushed for 1,209 yards as a senior at Liberty and scored 17 touchdowns. He was all-state and all-district in both football and basketball and was the Offensive Player of the Year after his senior season.
OSU Head Coach Les Miles said he respected White's decision. "I've known Reggie and his family since he first came to Oklahoma State and I know this is a decision they reached only after a lot of thought," Coach Miles said. "Reggie is not only a tremendous player, he is a tremendous person. He has meant a lot to this program and we wish him nothing but the best."
