Former Michigan State football WR leads nation in blocked punts

Some former Michigan State football players who opted to enter the transfer portal over the last few years have been excelling both at the collegiate level and the NFL (Keon Coleman comes to mind).

We’ve seen some former players break out across the nation but one is drawing more headlines than most: Ricky White.

The former wideout and 2020 Michigan game hero has been putting up some serious numbers in his post-Michigan State career. Not only was he considered a preseason All-American at UNLV following his 88 catches for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns last year, but he’s also becoming a special teams superstar — but not in the way you’d expect.

Sure, you’d probably expect a shifty speedster at receiver to be a return specialist, but he’s more than that. In fact, he’s more of a blocked punt specialist, leading the nation with three this year.

UNLV star WR Ricky White has 3 blocked punts so far this season 😳

More than any other FBS TEAM

9 TDs and 614 yards to go along with it 🤯@SSN_UNLV X @Only1RW
pic.twitter.com/SvI7BvQFH2

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) October 21, 2024

White is on the return team and does have one punt return touchdown this season of 51 yards, but he has three blocked punts which not only leads college football, but it’s more than any other FBS team in the country. Yes, he’s leading the nation by himself in blocked punts.

Along with the special teams superstardom, White has 46 catches for 614 yards and nine touchdowns. His pace is down a little from his All-American-caliber campaign from a year ago, but he should still break 1,000 yards for a second straight season. And he’s on pace to score about 15 touchdowns which would put him right up there atop the nation’s leaders.

White is currently the No. 16 receiver in the country with those 614 yards and his 46 catches put him at 14th nationally. As for the touchdown receptions, he’s tied for second behind San Joe State’s Nick Nash who has 11 (!!) somehow.

Imagine what this year’s Michigan State football team would look like with an all-around weapon like White. The possibilities would be endless.

It’s nice to see him thriving elsewhere.