Los Angeles – Southern California tailback LenDale White, a Chatfield High School alumnus, would go from sixth to 12th in the first round in this spring’s NFL draft if he comes out a year early, a leading NFL draft consultant said Thursday.
Chris Landry, a former NFL scout for the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Oilers, said White would probably beat out Memphis’ DeAngelo Williams as the second tailback taken, after USC’s Reggie Bush.
“He’s no worse than third,” Landry said of White. “Some boards may have him fourth, but I doubt it. The difference is if he comes back, he’ll be the featured back.”
White, a junior who rushed for 1,178 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, may be one of five USC juniors who declare for the draft. Landry said White would benefit from a senior season as USC’s lead running back. White gained 124 yards and three touchdowns in Wednesday’s 41-38 Rose Bowl loss to Texas.
“He could do more of what he’s done on a consistent basis,” Landry said. “Whether this is important to him or not, he could be among the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy. Certainly he has a chance to be the featured guy and a top-five pick next year. I don’t see him as a top-five this year.”
