Odds are against White, but can he beat the odds?

[DKphin]

QB or not QB? Veteran Curry understands rookie White's predicament

By Thomas George | NFL.com
Senior Columnist



Ronald Curry remembers in 2003, after his rookie season, that offseason day when Oakland Raiders coaches summoned him and asked, "What position do you want to play?"
And followed that up with, "And it won't be quarterback."
Maybe Curry, now a Detroit Lions wide receiver, knew that day would come for him. Most college quarterbacks who struggle in the NFL expect rejection. Only a handful can convert to safety, cornerback or wide receiver.
From signal-callers to pass-catchers
A sampling of players -- past and present -- who converted from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver:

Marlin Briscoe: He left Nebraska-Omaha hoping to make his mark as a quarterback. He did. In 1968 with the Denver Broncos, he became the first African-American quarterback to start in a professional football game. But for most of his nine-year pro career, which ended in 1976, he was a wide receiver.

Freddie Solomon: The Tampa University quarterback made the switch to NFL wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins (1975-77) and the San Francisco 49ers (1978-85). He was the intended receiver on the Joe Montana pass that ended up being caught by Dwight Clark in the classic 1982 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. The play has been dubbed "The Catch."

Antwaan Randle El: The former Indiana University quarterback has become a fixture as an NFL wide receiver, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2002-2005) and now with the Washington Redskins. In February 2006, he used pro football's ultimate stage to draw from his quarterback roots and, on a reverse, tossed a 43-yard touchdown pass that helped clinch the Steelers' Super Bowl XL victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Anquan Boldin: He entered Florida State as a quarterback and played wide receiver there before making the transition in earnest in the NFL in 2003 with the Arizona Cardinals. It was a stellar start -- he was the only rookie to earn Pro Bowl honors that season, and he also was the NFL Rookie of the Year. He has become one of the NFL's most physical and productive receivers.

Joshua Cribbs: A versatile quarterback at Kent State, he has earned his keep in the NFL as a kick returner extraordinaire after the Cleveland Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2005. The Browns look to use him more as a wide receiver next season.

Isaiah Stanback: He was always under center at the University of Washington, but when the Cowboys drafted him in the fourth round in 2007, that move was all about turning him into a receiver. The transition continues: In two seasons, he has played in 10 games with no starts and made two catches for 24 yards.

Brad Smith: He enters his fourth NFL season, and this could be a distinguishing year for the former Missouri quarterback. He has played in 47 of a possible 48 regular-season games, with 13 starts, in his three seasons with the New York Jets, and his career numbers -- 53 catches, 450 receiving yards, two touchdown grabs and 42 rushing attempts -- illustrate his promise.


Often the choice is wide receiver.
The NFL has a controversial and colorful experience -- past and present -- of college quarterbacks-turned-wide receivers. In harsher times for black quarterbacks, the move was a given, based on prejudice and ignorance. Nowadays, black quarterbacks more often get a shot, then later make the move in earnest if they see that is where their NFL future lies.

Of the seven players listed, none of their primary positions were QB. I think that White will at least play QB in the spread, but I don't see him being our "main guy". That does not mean he will not make a contribution to the team. I think the coaching staff will be able to place him in situations that utilize his athleticism for optimal results.
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[72champagne]

lame article. lame writer. if racism has nothing to do with it now, there's no reason to dredge it up like it has something to do with pat white when out of the other side of your mouth you admit it has nothing to do with pat white.

 

[ckparrothead]

It's not anything we can predict. All we know is that right now there's no indication the Dolphins have even tried him out at receiver. He's the #3 QB.

 

[dlockz]

Anquan Boldin should not be listed in that article since he made the switch to WR well before he hit the NFL,

 

[ckparrothead]

Davone Bess was also an All-City QB back in Oakland.

 

[fakespike]

what about tony martin?

 

[Bta72dolphins]

It's not anything we can predict. All we know is that right now there's no indication the Dolphins have even tried him out at receiver. He's the #3 QB.

White will not be a WR, but a realistic wild cat play can be White take the snap either Ronnie or Ricky are behind him throw it back to them and Pat White runs as fast as possible getting defenses eyes on white opening a WR or anyone even himself and you know they would attack either ronnie and ricky cause they think they would not pass it then they do. What do u think? I think it is workable. Of course that kind of play should be saved for a division game or a game that everyone thinks we will lose like Saints game or Pit game.