Name: Mykeal White
School: Southern Utah University
Position: DL
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 295

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Goals I set for my final season was to give my best effort in helping my team anyway I could. From punctuality, being on top of my academics and becoming an overall bigger, stronger, faster athlete.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

The unexpected season that was waived, I had seen as a double edge sword. Taking advantage of the down time, I knew then that not everyone we lost a chance to compete, but I gained time to grow and develop even more than the progress I had made for that season to come. Working on fundamentals and technique I feel is vital and aided me in my success on the field.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I am a team player, 100%. I am always trying to help my D-Line group with technique or moves to use on certain sets and drops vs the offensive line. Also, might include how energetic I am whether it be 5am weights or 5pm team meeting.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

Down and distance, field position, team tendencies overall, formations, motions, pad level, helmet angle of OL, eyes of OL and don’t listen to calls, play my play. I also watch film on myself and how I can fix or change up an issue that I may find. For example, false steps, bad eyes, not maintain gaps, and finding reasons for those mistakes and fixing them.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

First thought that separates me from any other prospects would be my why. My WHY of playing football. Ever since I was a young boy, watching my mother work day in and day out, struggling to keep my brothers and I out the streets. Enrolling us into city football program so we were safe after school, because she couldn’t afford daycare while she worked nights. Not until I was older did, I realize the sacrifice my mother took to make sure my brothers and I were well off. I owe my life to my mother and fulfilling my dreams I know would be the biggest accomplishment I can give back to her. Showing her that her hard work and perseverance or raising three boys all alone has worked and can now reap the fruits of her labor with peace of mind. Now that I have a beautiful family of my own including my fiancé and my 18 month son. Now I must keep striving and reaching for the top, insuring a happy, safe life for my family. My family has turned into my motivation, and I feel as if it’s the same impression my mother wanted for me. Being a father now, I understand the stress of providing or lack thereof. I will not fail my family; my personal drive is what separates me from athletes.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I have set up a at-home program that I have been working towards since the end of my season. Weekly trainings with specific days to train specific movements. Ready and waiting for any opportunity to seek professional help in preparing for this upcoming draft.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Composure and mental strength are one of my strongest characteristics I follow through daily routine. In translation, this is huge when playing the game of football. An outburst or mental lapse in a game can cost a program the chance to win. For example, fighting or punching another player has occurred throughout the years at the professional level. Mental toughness not only gives you the ability to act, but the ability not to also. I bring a bunch of energy into a room, which can benefit on and off the field to team camaraderie. Communication is a strong attribute I like to say I have acquired, having these skills within a team on/off the field is critical in relationships, perception, and interpersonal skills.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My final pitch would be I have been dedicating my time and effort all into football thing since I can remember. I am fully dedicated to the process; I simply need an opportunity to display all the hard work I have put in and time I have sacrificed to be the athlete I am today. I will continue to work towards my goals and aspirations in the meantime. I look forward to any opportunities that come my way.