Camden White: Mercyhurst Standout Seeks NFL Pro Day Opportunity
Camden White, a standout defensive end from Mercyhurst University, is a man with a dream.
With an impressive college career under his belt, the 6’4”, 265-pound edge rusher is determined to prove he belongs on an NFL roster. We know about his talent- at least, if you watched the Lakers this season, you’ve seen what he can do on the football field and to opposing players. And we know that the NFL has taken notice, as teams including the Baltimore Ravens took the time to visit Erie this past season to see White and some of his teammates. The Canadian Football League, likewise, has shown lots of interest in the big DE.
The problem for White has never been getting to the quarterback, and it won’t be next season, wherever that may be. The issue he’s faced instead is getting in front of scouts at a pro day.
White’s career stats reflect the dominant player that he was in Erie. Over his time at Mercyhurst, he racked up 59 solo tackles and 118 total tackles, including 24 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses didn’t stop there, as he forced 6 fumbles and recovered 3. White earned PSAC All-Conference honors, and a Phil Steele NEC All-Conference nod (3rd team). It doesn’t matter what league he’s in- he’s always one of the top players in it. He was a player the Lakers looked to for leadership, too, earning a role as a captain twice.
White was slated to participate in Gannon University’s and RMU’s pro day, but both events fell through, leaving him without a platform to display his measurables. And, from what’s been reported, they’re very strong ones. His testing numbers would make a sleepy scout spit-take his espresso: a 6.94-second L-cone drill, 29 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 4.37-second 20-yard shuttle, a 1.59-second 10-yard split, a 34-inch vertical jump, a 9’8” broad jump, and a 4.78-second 40-yard dash.
White’s message remains simple and urgent: “All I need is a shot to showcase what I can do.” Nothing comes easy outside of the P4, and White isn’t asking for it to be. He just needs an opportunity to get in front of scouts.
For a small-school prospect like White, the path to the NFL is rarely straightforward. Pro days are often the lifeline for players outside the Power Five conferences, offering a stage to prove they can hang with the five stars. Without those events at Gannon or RMU, White is left searching for another way in. His production certainly suggests he’s capable of competing at the next level at any of the pro leagues, and if he can duplicate his numbers at a live setting, there can be little doubt about his athleticism.
There are limited pro days and regional scouting opportunities remaining for prospective players like White. The CFL also holds independent tryouts, and he may be able to compete there. We’ll keep an eye out to see which avenue he has to take to get to the next level. Just like getting to the quarterback, though, it feels like it’s just a matter of time for him.
