The linebacker position was hampered with injuries in 2018, including Kyzir White. White, the fourth-round selection out of West Virginia, started to catch the attention of fans but a knee injury held him back from an impactful rookie season.
White had won the starting weakside linebacker position and played at least 61 percent of the defensive snaps the first three weeks of preseason. The fourth-round pick had 17 tackles, three passes defensed, one tackle for loss and an interception in three regular season games.
Fast forward to now, White is completely healthy, is up 13 pounds and has been showing in camp that he’s eager to push for a significant role once again in his sophomore season.
Yesterday in practice, White picked off quarterback Philip Rivers with a one-handed snag over his shoulder. But aside from that one play, the former Mountaineer has been making plays on a daily basis in training camp.
It’s unlikely that he will be penciled in as the starting WILL going into Week 1 of the regular season, knowing that veteran Thomas Davis will probably get the start. But considering defensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt favors sub-packages and the fact that he can play all three linebacker positions, White will most definitely be seeing the field a lot.
Plenty of eyes will be on White this Thursday in the preseason opener against the Cardinals and for him, it means a lot to get back onto the field after having his first year cut short.
“It means everything to me. After being on the sideline and watching my teammates play, it was a tough feeling. But now that I’m back healthy and I get a chance to go out there and contribute and help out, I’m excited,” White said, per the team’s official website.
