It’s a practice squad role, but New England gets another former Alabama standout.
Wide receiver DeAndrew White was signed to the team on Wednesday, according to a press release from its website. He was waived from the San Francisco 49ers back on Sept. 3.
White become the fourth ex-Tide player to join the Patriots, following Dont’a Hightower, Cyrus Jones and Vinnie Sunseri. He was known as a fluent route runner and dependable target during five seasons in Tuscaloosa (2010-14), posting 94 receptions for 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He was a huge component on offense in 2014, catching 40 passes from Blake Sims for 504 receiving yards and four touchdowns. White brought in a 6-yard score in overtime to defeat LSU 20-13, while collecting a 58-yard touchdown grab against Missouri in the Southeastern Conference title game.
He sustained knee and shoulder injuries throughout his collegiate career, but he stayed vigilant. Despite not being selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, he signed a rookie free agent deal with the 49ers. White will now have an opportunity to shine under head coach Bill Belichick.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
